Theoretical Approach to the Empirical Research on Representation

Empirical role orientation research on representation usually looks into two dimensions: the focus of representation and the style of representation. Focus refers to the object of representation, being for example constituency, party, the nation as a whole, or representative’s own views. Style, on the other hand, indicates the representative’s attitude towards instructed or free mandate. These dimensions have been explored among representatives (usually within national parliaments, but also e.g. in the European Parliament) and within voters, asking their views on how they think parliamentarians should act. Further, the research is largely based on the standard account of representation, which emphasizes elections as the choice mechanism of representatives, accountability of the agent to the principal, and universal franchise. I argue that this kind of approach has overlooked for the most part the latest theoretical developments in the field of representation study. The approach oversimplifies the work of a politician, as it is often an artificial task to perceive one’s own actions in given categories. The different foci of representation, for example constituency, party, or the nation as a whole, are de facto not separate from one another but on many levels intertwined. Consequently, I turn to representation theories and set myself to outline new research topics on representation. My paper focuses on the connection between representation and democracy, and within that framework especially on three aspects, namely 1) on the notion of constituency, 2) on accountability mechanisms above elections, and 3) on representation as performative action. My scrutiny relies on the theories of Jane Mansbridge, Andrew Rehfeld, Ronald Rogowski, David Plotke, Johannes Pollak et. al., Michael Saward and Nadia Urbinati & Mark E. Warren. In conlusion, the paper not only examines theories but it also proposes methodological tools for empirical research on representative democracy. My examination, thus, is not theoretical but seeks to combine empirical research to well-based theoretical observations.