Selecting representatives: methods and practices

Research output: Chapter in Book/Report/Conference proceedingChapterpeer-review

Abstract

The selection of representatives is a crucial aspect for understanding political representation and the role of political parties in contemporary democracies. This chapter explores the different dimensions of candidate selection and examines how the recruitment process varies across countries and parties. The chapter begins with a review of the different approaches that have inspired the study of candidate selection. Hence, the chapter analyses empirical findings and recent trends, especially the growing use of party primaries. We also examine the importance of informal practices and party organizational imprint. The chapter also identifies the conditions - political, institutional and socio-economic - that are supposed to influence candidate selection. It finally discusses distinct methodological approaches adopted in this field of research. The concluding sections highlights the challenges that this process poses to contemporary party politics and some avenues for future research.
Original languageEnglish
Title of host publicationResearch Handbook on Political Representation
EditorsMaurizio Cotta, Federico Russo
Place of PublicationCheltenham
PublisherEdward Elgar Publishing
Chapter20
Pages253-265
Number of pages13
ISBN (Print)978-1-78897-708-1
DOIs
Publication statusPublished - 2020

Publication series

NameElgar Handbooks in Political Science

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