Hanna-pitkin-the-concept-of-representation-pdf
Riley Boylan
Hanna Pitkin The Concept of Representation PDF
Hanna Pitkin is a political theorist and a professor emerita of political science at the University of California, Berkeley. She is best known for her book The Concept of Representation, which was published in 1967 and is still widely cited and influential in the field of political representation. In this book, Pitkin offers a conceptual analysis of the idea, the word, and the practice of representation, drawing on various sources from philosophy, history, and social science. She examines different aspects and dimensions of representation, such as formalistic, descriptive, symbolic, mandate-independent, and political representation, and critically evaluates their strengths and weaknesses. She also explores the relationship between representation and democracy, and the challenges and dilemmas that arise from representing diverse and conflicting interests in a complex society.
The book is divided into nine chapters, each focusing on a specific aspect or problem of representation. The first chapter introduces the main questions and aims of the book, and explains why a conceptual analysis of representation is important and relevant for both theory and practice. The second chapter discusses the problem of Thomas Hobbes, who argued that representation is a fiction that serves to justify the absolute power of the sovereign. Pitkin challenges Hobbes's view by showing that representation is not merely a word or a legal fiction, but a meaningful and significant concept that has implications for political action and responsibility. The third chapter examines formalistic views of representation, which define representation in terms of authorization, accountability, and responsiveness. Pitkin argues that these views are too narrow and insufficient to capture the full meaning and scope of representation. The fourth chapter analyzes descriptive representation, which refers to the extent to which representatives resemble or mirror their constituents in terms of characteristics such as gender, race, class, or ideology. Pitkin argues that descriptive representation is neither necessary nor sufficient for effective representation, but it can have symbolic and psychological effects that may enhance or undermine the quality of representation. The fifth chapter explores symbolic representation, which refers to the way in which representatives stand for or embody certain values, ideals, or identities that are shared or recognized by their constituents. Pitkin argues that symbolic representation can have positive or negative consequences depending on how it is used and interpreted by different groups and individuals.
The sixth chapter investigates representing as "acting for", which refers to the way in which representatives act on behalf of their constituents' interests or preferences. Pitkin compares this notion of representation to various analogies from law, agency, trusteeship, guardianship, and advocacy, and shows how each analogy has its own advantages and limitations. The seventh chapter addresses the mandate-independence controversy, which refers to the debate over whether representatives should follow the instructions or wishes of their constituents (mandate), or use their own judgment or conscience (independence). Pitkin argues that neither extreme is desirable or feasible, and that representatives should strike a balance between responsiveness and responsibility. The eighth chapter considers representing unattached interests, which refers to the way in which representatives take into account the interests of those who are not their constituents, such as future generations, minorities, foreigners, or humanity at large. Pitkin discusses the views of Edmund Burke on this issue, and argues that representing unattached interests can be justified on moral grounds as well as on prudential grounds. The ninth chapter concludes the book by summarizing the main findings and arguments, and suggesting some directions for further research and reflection on the concept of representation.
The book is available in PDF format from various sources online . It is also available in print from University of California Press. It is recommended for anyone who is interested in political theory, political science, or democratic studies.
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