The dark side of representation: exclusion and marginalization

Abstract

Political representation is routinely understood as a form of "making present of what is absent" (cf. Pitkin 1967). Presence is typically associated with inclusion, empowerment and agency. This association disregards the fact that representation invariably also excludes and has the potential to silence and dis-empower. Papers in this panel reflect on the dark side of political representation; reflecting on representatives' capacity to inflict harm, how their bodies and performances of authenticity may serve to silence and legitimize other-minded citizens. Other papers turn their attention to the long-term effects of political exclusion on political support, and the groups that are under-represented in pledge-making.

Title	Details
Schadenfreude Representation	View Paper Details
How (un-)equal is pledge-making? Marginalized groups and elected executives’ pledges in France and Germany (1995-2022)	View Paper Details
(Un-)Doing Democracy: Populism, Body Politics, Authenticity, and Gender	View Paper Details
Does descriptive representation legitimize anti-feminist politics?	View Paper Details
Long-term Effects of Political Exclusion on Political Support	View Paper Details