Political Representation of Immigrants in Parliaments

Abstract

With the increasing diversity in western democracies, political participation and integration of the immigrant population is becoming a more and more discussed topic in political sciences. Though there are many different forms of political participations- especially the inclusion of immigrants in parliaments is pivotal with regard to the access to political power as well as the representation of population interests. From a descriptive perspective of representation it can be asked to what extent people of foreign-origin are represented in parliaments. What are their profiles (e.g. gender, educational /ethnic background)? And how this picture of representation can be explained from different angles (e.g. electoral system, political parties, individual career paths, ethnic networks)? From a more substantive perspective of representation, the focus on questions lies more on actual political work of immigrant representatives, their experiences in the political realm and the implications for representation. Papers address questions of one or both dimensions of representation. Furthermore this panel will present the newest data available- especially for the situation in Germany.

Title	Details
Politicians with Migration background in seven German State Parliaments (Landtage). Career Paths and Substantial Representation	View Paper Details
Political Participation and Representation of Immigrants in Parliaments	View Paper Details
In the nexus of stigma and prestige: German members of parliament(s) with migration background	View Paper Details
Immigrant representation in North-Rhine-Westphalia and the role of political parties	View Paper Details
Substantive Representation of Minority Preferences. Are Minority Representatives good for Representing Minorities?	View Paper Details