Diversity, Intersectionality and the Politics of Presence

Abstract

Twenty years after publication, Anne Phillips’ seminal work on ‘The Politics of Presence’ still inspires many scholars of democratic theory, political representation, citizenship and multiculturalism. Its basic tenet, that the politics of ideas is incapable of dealing with political exclusion, challenged common assumptions that democracy functions well without the presence of historically disadvantaged groups in elected assemblies. Phillips’ arguments are still very relevant in today’s super-diverse societies, but ideas of ‘group representation’ are also increasingly challenged. What is the basis for a politics of presence when group interests are slippery and identities are multiple? How do hierarchies between groups structure political inclusion? What is the relationship between group representation and deliberation? And is it justifiable to support the ‘non-presence’ of groups? This panel pays tribute to and evaluates 20 years of academic research on ‘The Politics of Presence’. It invites scholars to reflect on past findings and set the agenda for future research.