Change in Women's Descriptive Representation and the Belief in Women's Ability to Govern: A Virtuous Cycle
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In: Politics & Gender, Vol. 8, No. 4, 12.2012, p. 437-464.
Research output: Journal contributions › Scientific review articles › Research
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TY - JOUR
T1 - Change in Women's Descriptive Representation and the Belief in Women's Ability to Govern: A Virtuous Cycle
AU - Alexander, Amy
PY - 2012/12
Y1 - 2012/12
N2 - As a core principle of democratic theory, political scientists stress the importance of more inclusive and diverse elected bodies (Mansbridge 1999; Phillips 1995; Pitkin 1967; Williams 1998; Young 2000). A large portion of that literature discusses the positive symbolic effects of elected bodies when they come closer to mirroring the population from which they are drawn. For underrepresented groups, increases in their descriptive representation symbolize a more open political arena. This improves the group's political participation as well as beliefs about the group's role in politics.
AB - As a core principle of democratic theory, political scientists stress the importance of more inclusive and diverse elected bodies (Mansbridge 1999; Phillips 1995; Pitkin 1967; Williams 1998; Young 2000). A large portion of that literature discusses the positive symbolic effects of elected bodies when they come closer to mirroring the population from which they are drawn. For underrepresented groups, increases in their descriptive representation symbolize a more open political arena. This improves the group's political participation as well as beliefs about the group's role in politics.
KW - Politics
KW - Gender and Diversity
UR - http://www.scopus.com/inward/record.url?scp=84871231438&partnerID=8YFLogxK
U2 - 10.1017/S1743923X12000487
DO - 10.1017/S1743923X12000487
M3 - Scientific review articles
VL - 8
SP - 437
EP - 464
JO - Politics & Gender
JF - Politics & Gender
SN - 1743-923X
IS - 4
ER -