Christopher J. Clark - Böcker

Scholars studying the causes and consequences of political representation, particularly in terms of gender and race, often turn to a concept called descriptive representation. Descriptive representation tells us the degree to which elected officials resemble their constituents, and whether such a resemblance has a bearing on the way they legislate. In other words, do people vote for candidates of their same racial/ethnic background or gender? If they do, does this affect the type of policies an elected official pursues? Further, if citizens see people who look like them in office, does it have an effect on their political attitudes and participation? In this book, Christopher J. Clark argues that descriptive representation is a more multi-faceted phenomenon than previously shown, particularly when observed at the state level. He contends that black political involvement, political attitudes, and public opinion are contingent on more than being represented by a single black elected official. Rather, they hinge on the proportion of African Americans making up a state legislature--what Clark terms "black seat share"--as well as the degree to which that proportion reflects the demographic makeup of the state. As well, Clark pinpoints the critical mass of African American legislators necessary to initiate the creation of black caucuses, an important institution for minority representation. Clark bases his study on an examination of black representation in state legislatures between 1966 and 2010, looking particularly at black political opinion and involvement in the development of welfare and education policy.

This book focuses on women of color political elites in the United States in varying levels of office and non-elected positions. In recent years increased attention has been paid to the role that women of color play in U.S. politics. These actors bring different priorities to office and also have to navigate not only sexism, but also barriers due to their racial or ethnic identity among other politically salient identities such as sexual orientation, nativity, immigration status, religiosity and ability. The chapters in this volume employ a variety of methods better understand to how ethno-racial minority women navigate the U.S. political system. This book uses an intersectional approach to understanding the opportunities and challenges that women of color political elites face in American politics.The chapters in this book were originally published as a special issue of the Journal of Women, Politics, and Policy.

This book focuses on women of color political elites in the United States in varying levels of office and non-elected positions. In recent years increased attention has been paid to the role that women of color play in U.S. politics. These actors bring different priorities to office and also have to navigate not only sexism, but also barriers due to their racial or ethnic identity among other politically salient identities such as sexual orientation, nativity, immigration status, religiosity and ability. The chapters in this volume employ a variety of methods better understand to how ethno-racial minority women navigate the U.S. political system. This book uses an intersectional approach to understanding the opportunities and challenges that women of color political elites face in American politics.The chapters in this book were originally published as a special issue of the Journal of Women, Politics, and Policy.

This volume presents a detailed and in-depth examination of women of color political elites in the United States in varying levels of office and non-elected positions.Through innovative data, novel theoretical frameworks, and compelling arguments, the chapters in this book explore how women of color political elites are changing, challenging, or upending the status quo in American politics. Beyond an additive approach of either race or gender the authors in this volume employ an intersectional lens to explore the complexities of governing, running for office, and adjudicating in a diversifying America.This book will be of great value to upper-level students, researchers, and academics of political science interested in women’s and gender studies, political leadership as well as race and ethnic studies. The chapters in this book were originally published as a special issue of Journal of Women, Politics, and Policy.