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Saward’s Concept of the Representative Claim Revisited: An Empirical Perspective

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  • Petra Guasti

    (Research Unit Democratic Innovations, Goethe University Frankfurt, Germany)

  • Brigitte Geissel

    (Research Unit Democratic Innovations, Goethe University Frankfurt, Germany)

Abstract

Representation is a process of making, accepting, or rejecting representative claims (Disch, 2015; Saward, 2014). This groundbreaking insight challenged the standard assumption that representative democracy can be reduced to elections and activities of elected representatives (Pitkin, 1967). It broadened the scope of representative democracy to encompass representation activities beyond those authorized by elections, transformed our thinking and provided a new perspective, putting claims and their reception into the center. This paradigm shift erased the distinction between elected and non-elected representatives and disclosed the potential of non-elected actors’ claims to represent (Andeweg, 2003; Kuyper, 2016; Rosanvallon & Goldhammer, 2008; Saward, 2006, 2009; Van Biezen & Saward, 2008). In spite of this lively debate, we identify an important gap in the literature: while this paradigmatic shift inspired many authors, conceptual frameworks that can be applied for systematic empirical analysis of real-life cases are missing. In this article, we fill this gap and propose frameworks for assessing and validating a variety of real-life claims. Our study provides empirical substance to the ongoing theoretical debates, helping to translate the mainly theoretical ‘claim approach’ into empirical research tools. It helps to transform the conventional wisdom about what representation can (not) be and shines a new light on the potential future of (claims on) representation.

Suggested Citation

  • Petra Guasti & Brigitte Geissel, 2019. "Saward’s Concept of the Representative Claim Revisited: An Empirical Perspective," Politics and Governance, Cogitatio Press, vol. 7(3), pages 98-111.
    • Handle: RePEc:cog:poango:v:7:y:2019:i:3:p:98-111
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    References listed on IDEAS

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    1. Mansbridge, Jane, 2011. "Clarifying the Concept of Representation," American Political Science Review, Cambridge University Press, vol. 105(3), pages 621-630, August.
    2. Sartori, Giovanni, 1970. "Concept Misformation in Comparative Politics," American Political Science Review, Cambridge University Press, vol. 64(4), pages 1033-1053, December.
    3. Petra Guasti & Debora Rezende de Almeida, 2019. "Claims of Misrepresentation: A Comparison of Germany and Brazil," Politics and Governance, Cogitatio Press, vol. 7(3), pages 152-164.
    4. Viola Joschko & Luis Glaser, 2019. "A New Approach to Map and Quantify Representative Claims and Measure Their Validation: A Case Study Analysis," Politics and Governance, Cogitatio Press, vol. 7(3), pages 137-151.
    5. de Wilde, Pieter & Koopmans, Ruud & Zürn, Michael, 2014. "The political sociology of cosmopolitanism and communitarianism: Representative claims analysis," Discussion Papers, Research Unit: Global Governance SP IV 2014-102, WZB Berlin Social Science Center.
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    Cited by:

    1. Petra Guasti & Brigitte Geissel, 2019. "Rethinking Representation: Representative Claims in Global Perspective," Politics and Governance, Cogitatio Press, vol. 7(3), pages 93-97.
    2. Viola Joschko & Luis Glaser, 2019. "A New Approach to Map and Quantify Representative Claims and Measure Their Validation: A Case Study Analysis," Politics and Governance, Cogitatio Press, vol. 7(3), pages 137-151.

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