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Accountability as Resistance: Helping Others be Autonomous?

Democracy
Political Theory
Representation
Constructivism
Suzanne Dovi
University of Arizona
Suzanne Dovi
University of Arizona

Abstract

The literature on descriptive representation has taken an “accountability” turn. More specifically, the disagreements about what counts as a “women’s interests” and the subsequent concern about how to measure substantive representation has encouraged empirical political scientists to focus on the mechanisms of accountability and responsiveness of those making claims on the behalf of others (e.g. Celis 2012, Celis, Childs, Kantola, and Krook. 2008; Disch 2011; Severs, 2010). This paper will argue that accountability mechanism can function to strengthen the claims and interests of power-wielders at the expense of vulnerable groups. In this way, the reliance on responsiveness fails adequately understand the role of resistance in representation.