The Politics of Non-Presence

Anne Phillips’ classic treatment of a politics of presence has set the terms for most of the theoretical and empirical research on gender representation. In particular, Phillips' arguments for why a politics of presence is necessary emphasize the importance of inclusion. For Phillips, the inclusion of women’s interests and of their presence in deliberative bodies is necessary to improve their representation. In an effort to build on and supplement Anne Phillip’s classic work, I examine the importance of “non-presence” on representation. A "politics of non-presence" is relevant in three ways. First, my paper considers the ways that pressure from outside deliberative bodies is a necessary part of substantive representation, or what Phillips calls a politics of ideas. As Virginia Woolf argues, sometimes we need a society of outsiders to exert influence on power-wielders. A transformative politics requires a certain kind of relationship between a politics of presence and a politics of non-presence. Second, my article also explores how substantive representation might require limiting and taking away power from historically privileged groups within democratic institutions. This second point stresses how the gender representation might require lessening the presence of over-represented groups. Third, my paper argues that Phillips does not adequately theorize her understanding of accountability. By conflating representation and accountability, Phillips overlooks the importance of the dynamics between “ruling” and “being ruled” for representation. Here I argue that the politics of non-presence is crucial for promoting accountable and responsive representative relations.