Conclusions

This chapter aims to summarise the main findings of the volume and to provide a preliminary answer to the research questions presented in the introduction. It starts by looking at the evolution of key indicators of democratic legitimacy and satisfaction. The chapter focuses on the degree of ideological congruence between citizens and examines the evolution of descriptive representation before and after economic crises in both Southern Europe and Latin America. The impact of the crises on substantive representation in Southern Europe and Latin America appears somewhat complex and without a clear overall pattern. The chapter devotes to identifying ways that might improve the field of political representation studies. From a theoretical point of view, it is highly desirable to strengthen the link between political theory and empirical studies, trying to benefit from theoretical and philosophical insights to draw testable arguments and hypotheses.