Identity, inclusion and representation in Pacific politics: (re)defining the ‘political’

Traditionally throughout the Pacific Islands region, as in much of the world, politics has been dominated by a certain subset of the population: older men with status in their community. The effects of homosocial dominance in leadership and decision-making can be seen in modern politics in the region, even in the absence of strongly institutionalised party systems, as groups historically marginalised from politics – including women, young people, diverse SOGIESC communities, and ethnic minority groups – have struggled to make significant gains in terms of representation. This paper explores how political activity is defined in the region, and how this framing further entrenches patriarchal power systems. It argues that while non-dominant social groups are in fact highly political active, their participation is consistently viewed through a non-political lens – classified as ‘community’ work, or through the use of other terms that obscure political intent and impact. The dismissal of the political contributions of women and other marginalised groups is reinforced by the broader devaluation of their contributions to public life. Redefining what constitutes political activity is key to identifying and ameliorating the democratic deficit stemming from the lack of diverse representation in Pacific politics.