Representation (politics)

Representation (Latin repraesentatio, from re-, "again, back", and praesentare, "to present, to show forth") in politics or political representation is a core principle of any social interaction. In a narrow sense, it refers to a variety of techniques of representation designed to ensure participation in political processes with or without physical presence. In a broader sense, it refers to all forms of "making visible" a group in political contexts. This can be done by the represented themselves, by one or more other representatives, but also by symbols.

The concept of political representation is thus ambiguous: on the one hand, it describes processes and institutions in political systems that are to be approached normatively or empirically, and on the other hand, it describes questions of representation and representability that are to be negotiated under aesthetic aspects. As a concept in political science, representation is of importance above all for political theory and the history of ideas and democracy research. The former concentrates on the conceptual and historical clarification of representational phenomena, the latter empirically explores the possibilities and realities of social participation, which depend on socio-cultural factors.

After an early democracy-normative phase at the end of the 1960s, which dealt with the topic of "good representation", 21st century research on representation is increasingly turning to totalitarianism. German-language research often focuses on National Socialism. English-language literature has turned primarily to the effects of mass media and politainment on growing authoritarianism. In both cases, representation research methodologically approaches communication and cultural studies.

Representation functions

The task of representation is to make a political association (e.g. the people of the state) capable of acting, willing and making decisions by forming governing bodies.

In a democracy, moreover, this task is only fulfilled if those acting (representatives) are not only authorised once, but in a constantly repeated and confirming manner. Democratic representation must thereby meet the requirements of two levels:

1. Formal legal level: legitimation via a so-called legitimation chain
2. Political-ethical level: the individuals of the represented political association must be able to identify with the actions of the representatives, they must "find themselves in it".

If these characteristics are fulfilled, one speaks of a representative democracy. It can be distinguished from participatory democracy and direct democracy, in which participation enables direct influence without representatives.

See also

• Representative system