The Nature of Representation

Abstract

For a fuller understanding of what constitutes ‘representation’, as is being assessed in the book, this chapter provides an exploration of the theory and meanings of this in the political sphere. Various theories of representation are explored, such as descriptive and substantive representation, presence theory, and critical mass theory. Theories of democracy are then examined from the perspective of inclusion and the deliberative democracy is then discussed as the basis for the analytical framework. The framework adopted for this book from Yvonne Galligan and Sara Clavero’s gender democracy analysis is then described.