Crossing the intersection: the representation of disadvantaged identities in advocacy

Abstract

This paper is motivated by current research in political science and women's studies on interest groups, representation, and intersectional disadvantage. Using original survey data from over 200 advocacy groups (women's rights; socio-economic justice; racial-minority rights; disability rights; and lesbian/gay/bisexual/transgender rights) in 14 states across the USA, this study examines whether groups disproportionately advocate on behalf of some intersectional identities over others. Descriptive analysis of the correspondence between the demographics of organizations' supporter networks and their issue agendas revealed that groups consistently over-represent class-based issues and under-represent gender-based issues relative to the proportions of low-income and female individuals contained within their constituencies.

Keywords:

• political representation
• intersectionality
• advocacy
• interest groups

Notes

1. I focus on intersectional disadvantage as potentially distinct from intersectional identities. Intersectional identity is important, but these identities are simultaneously tied to disadvantages in politics and society.

2. For the purposes of this study, I use the term “organizations” to refer to groups representing individuals, rather than business entities or institutions. These are commonly known as “citizen organizations.”

3. More information about the sample selection of states, organizations, and survey questionnaire can be found in the Supplemental Appendix.

4. Whether the original source was state lobby registrations or GuideStar, most organizations' websites were double-checked to ensure inclusion in the study.

5. The supplemental appendix contains detailed information about keywords used to search for groups and sample construction.

6. A survey pre-test revealed that organizations prefer to conduct business via email rather than regular mail, which is why questionnaires were delivered electronically.

7. The supplemental appendix contains detailed information about the random selection of non-responsive organizations and difference of means test, the construction of the sample of organizations and states, and the survey questionnaire.