Create a 6 pages page paper that discusses the concept of representation. With respect to descriptive representation, the question that arises is whether the representative is similar, and tends to ad

Create a 6 pages page paper that discusses the concept of representation. With respect to descriptive representation, the question that arises is whether the representative is similar, and tends to advocate on behalf of those they represent. Conversely, symbolic representation probes the type of response invoked by the representative on the represented. While descriptive representation is evident, in different spheres of life such as politics, ethnicity, or gender, symbolic representation is attached to religion, monarchy, or president. In both instances, a politician’s actions such as winning an election can be viewed as both descriptive and symbolic representation depending on what they choose to do and how people may view their intentions. In a representative democracy, there is a need for citizens to develop a pro-democratic attitude or behavior. This is important in fostering the stability of the established system. In this regard, descriptive representation plays an important role in improving the positive feelings of citizens towards their government and ensures that their needs are adequately represented.

In the contemporary society where democracy prevails, a politician’s chances of being elected to a political office depend on how he or she resonates with the electorate. As stated by Pitkin, “every person in the modern world searches for some form of representation, whether it is the government or any other institution”. Thus, for a politician to win an election, he or she has to carry out a needs assessment to understand what his or her constituents want. In most democracies, campaigns during elections mark a period when those vying for political office have to go back to their constituents to present their case. The campaign period is an opportune time for politicians to gauge their popularity on the ground. Those on the ground are often eager to elect a person who can safeguard their interests while in office. Whether this view is plausible depends on a politician being seen to advocate for a common agenda with their representatives.