Descriptive representation

Definition

Descriptive representation occurs when legislators or elected officials mirror the demographic characteristics of their constituents, such as race, gender, ethnicity, or age. It emphasizes the importance of having a legislature that visually and culturally resembles the population it serves.

Related terms

Constituency: The body of voters or residents in a specified area who elect a representative to a legislative body.

Proportional Representation: An electoral system in which parties gain seats in proportion to the number of votes cast for them.

Policy Representation: The activity of elected officials acting on behalf of their constituents' interests and preferences in policy-making processes