Accountability of minority representation: methodological advancements

Abstract

This paper aims to extend the focus of ethnic minority research in two ways: first, by introducing the notion of constitutive representation of ethnicity and second, by operationalizing accountability for empirical research of minority representation in accordance with the constructivist representative turn. The paper suggests that the analysis of ethnic minority representation would be significantly refined if it adopted a more constructivist understanding of representation. Consequently, we need to move beyond traditional understanding of accountability as reelection. As a response, previous research has introduced more discursive and plural ways of understanding accountability. This paper contributes to these theoretical advancements by developing methodological tools for evaluating minority representation. The paper suggests that there are three systemic conditions necessary for the accountability of minority representatives: publicity, competition, and outlets for objection. Based on them, the paper develops 18 indicators for evaluating minority representation. The system accountability indicators allow us to extend our research beyond the identification of minority claims and try to explain the differences among those who claim to represent minorities.

Keywords:

• minority representation
• accountability
• publicity
• competition

Acknowledgements

An earlier version of this paper was presented at the workshop Representation of Minorities: Perspectives and Challenges, University of York, 15 May 2015. I would like to thank the participants of the workshop for their comments and suggestions. I am especially grateful to Monica Brito-Vieira, Nina Caspersen, Mihaela Mihai, Licia Cianetti, and an anonymous reviewer for their most valuable comments on the previous versions of this paper.

Notes

1 To reflect this complexity, the term “constituency” will be used in this paper for all those a representative claims to speak for, regardless of their electoral connections.

2 Autonomous province of Serbia where a Hungarian national minority is territorially concentrated.