Public Preferences for Parliamentary Representation in the UK

An Overlooked Link

Bibliographic Data

ID6345844
AuthorsChristopher J Carman (0000-0003-3114-0666, University of Glasgow, corresponding author)
Year2006
Volume54
Issue1
Pages103-122
Publication date2006-03-01
Peer ReviewedYes
Open AccessYes
TypeARTICLE
VenuePolitical Studies (JOURNAL)
Journal identifiersISSN: 0032-3217 • E-ISSN: 1467-9248
PublisherSAGE Publications Inc (PUBLISHER)
DOI10.1111/j.1467-9248.2006.00568.x
OpenAlexW2033323495
LanguageEN
Citations received49
References cited20

Representation, both as a normative concept and a political process, has generated a rich literature across several national contexts. To develop our understanding of representational systems, scholars tend to assess the degree of policy congruence between parliamentarians and constituents as well as the role orientations adopted by elected parliamentarians and legislators. This paper contends that in order to have a complete understanding of representational systems, we must consider not only the representational roles adopted by parliamentarians, but also the publics’ preferences regarding parliamentary representation. Specifically, I posit that individuals have attitudes about the type and degree of relationship that they believe should exist between elected parliamentarians, parties and constituents. Using data from a 2003 survey of the British public, I test the related hypotheses that individuals have meaningful and predictable preferences for the representational relationship they share with their members of parliament (MPs) and that these representational preferences in turn influence how individuals evaluate MPs. Finding support for both hypotheses, I argue that developing an understanding of normative public preferences for political representation is an important and overlooked component in advancing models of public support of both elected officials and governing institutions

Congruence (geometry · Economics · Normative · Parliament · Political science · Politics · Positive economics · Public opinion · Public relations · Representation (politics · Sociology · Electoral Systems and Political Participation · Gender Politics and Representation · Law · Political Systems and Governance · Psychology · Social Psychology

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