Constructivist turn in political representation: The issue of responsiveness

Abstract

In light of the constructivist turn in the theory of political representation, this article discusses the position of responsiveness in representation theory. Although the paper positions itself within the constructivist turn, it is shown that traditional understanding of representation is in advantage over the constructivist turn because it considers responsiveness the key element of representation. Responsiveness is the key normative criteria of democratic and legitimate representation. If the request for responsiveness of political representatives is neglected, the quality of representative work cannot be measured and analyzed. Nonetheless, constructivist turn rejects the concept of responsiveness. It focuses mainly on the claim-making process and its effects. By indicating that interests are not fixed, but changeable, constructivist turn, on the other hand, significantly advances our understanding of representation. Political representatives may influence the preferences of the represented and create their interests. In opposition to the static and unidimensional traditional understanding, constructivist turn offers more dynamic and creative understanding of representative process. Bearing in mind, on the one hand, the benefits of the constructivist theories, and on the other hand, the value of responsiveness, I argue that dynamic understanding of representation needs to include the criteria of responsiveness. Aiming to reconcile responsiveness with creative understanding of representation, this article proposes to redefine the concept of responsiveness and advances a posteriori responsiveness in addition to classic responsiveness.