Elastic Representation: Mikael Johannesson
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Researcher Mikael Johannesson at NORCE joins us to give a presentation entitled "Elastic representation", a joint work together with Yvette Peters (UiB) and Troy Broderstad (NORCE).
The event is in a hybrid format, you are welcome to join us for lunch from the Corner room at DIGSSCORE. Food is provided on a first-come first-served basis.
Abstract:
We argue that real-world political representation is elastic: The type of representation given by an elected representative to their constituents changes on a case-by-case basis, depending on context. While some representatives are more prone to adhere to specific representational ideal types, many feel it appropriate to deviate when the context demands. We test this claim by fielding a survey experiment to a unique survey panel in Norway where all elected representatives at all levels of government were invited to participate (N=2,000). We demonstrate that elected representatives willingness to vote against their own opinion when a majority of their voters disagree with them depends the size of that majority: Increasing the proportion of disagreeing voters from 55% to 95% increases willingness by 20% points. We encourage normative scholars to incorporate and study the role of elasticity in representation.
All are welcome!