Substantive representation of the working class in a changing environment. Historical evidence from Belgian Parliament

The link between descriptive representation (being member of a disadvantaged social group) and substantive representation (defending the interests of that group) continues to be one of the most hotly disputed issues in social sciences. The political representation of social classes in this perspective has long time been neglected in research, as the main focus has been on women and ethnic minorities. It will be argued in this paper that class is still relevant in contemporary society and that due to the ‘catch-all’ approach of (social-democratic) parties and to the lower levels of recognition... Mehr ...