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The Context Matters: The Effects of Single‐Member versus At‐Large Districts on City Council Diversity

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  • Jessica Trounstine
  • Melody E. Valdini

Abstract

Scholars continue to debate the degree to which electoral institutions matter for representation. The literature predicts that minorities benefit from districts while women benefit from at‐large elections. The mechanisms by which institutions affect the ability of traditionally underrepresented groups to win seats have been understudied. Using an analysis of over 7,000 cities and interviews with city councilors, we find that compared to at‐large systems, district systems can increase diversity only when underrepresented groups are highly concentrated and compose a substantial portion of the population. In addition, we find that the electoral system has a significant effect on representation only for African American male and white female councilors; the proportion of African American women and Latina councilors is not affected by the use of either district or at‐large systems.

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  • Jessica Trounstine & Melody E. Valdini, 2008. "The Context Matters: The Effects of Single‐Member versus At‐Large Districts on City Council Diversity," American Journal of Political Science, John Wiley & Sons, vol. 52(3), pages 554-569, July.
    • Handle: RePEc:wly:amposc:v:52:y:2008:i:3:p:554-569
    DOI: 10.1111/j.1540-5907.2008.00329.x
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    References listed on IDEAS

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    1. Kathleen Dolan, 2004. "The Impact of Candidate Sex on Evaluations of Candidates for the U.S. House of Representatives," Social Science Quarterly, Southwestern Social Science Association, vol. 85(1), pages 206-217, March.
    2. Conover, Pamela Johnston, 1988. "The Role of Social Groups in Political Thinking," British Journal of Political Science, Cambridge University Press, vol. 18(1), pages 51-76, January.
    3. Tim R. Sass, 2000. "The Determinants of Hispanic Representation in Municipal Government," Southern Economic Journal, John Wiley & Sons, vol. 66(3), pages 609-630, January.
    4. Tasha S. Philpot & Hanes Walton, 2007. "One of Our Own: Black Female Candidates and the Voters Who Support Them," American Journal of Political Science, John Wiley & Sons, vol. 51(1), pages 49-62, January.
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    Cited by:

    1. Bonnie G. Mani, 2014. "Determinants of a City Manager’s Tenure in Office," SAGE Open, , vol. 4(1), pages 21582440145, February.
    2. Melissa J. Marschall & Anirudh V. S. Ruhil & Paru R. Shah, 2010. "The New Racial Calculus: Electoral Institutions and Black Representation in Local Legislatures," American Journal of Political Science, John Wiley & Sons, vol. 54(1), pages 107-124, January.

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