Political Recruitment: Gender, Race and Class in the British Parliament

by Pippa Norris, Joni Lovenduski

Overview

Pippa Norris and Joni Lovenduski ask why some politicians succeed in moving into the highest offices of state, while others fail. They examine the relative dearth of women, black and working class Members of Parliament, and whether this evident social bias matters for political representation. The authors draw evidence from the first systematic surveys of parliamentary candidates, Members of Parliament and party selectors, as well as detailed personal interviews. The study explores how and why people become politicians, and the consequences for parties, legislatures and representative government.

Product Details

ISBN-13:	9780521469616
Publisher:	Cambridge University Press
Publication date:	11/24/1994
Edition description:	New Edition
Pages:	336
Product dimensions:	5.98(w) x 9.02(h) x 0.75(d)

Table of Contents

1. Puzzles in political recruitment; Part I. Who Selects and How?: 2. The structure of political recruitment; 3. Conservative recruitment; 4. Labour recruitment; 5. Minor party recruitment; Part II. Who Gets Selected and Why?: 6. Supply and demand explanations; 7. Gatekeeper attitudes; 8. Candidate resources; 9. Candidate motivation; 10. Comparative candidate recruitment; Part III. Does the Social Bias Matter?: 11. The values, priorities and roles of MPs; 12. The personal vote; 13. Reforming recruitment.

Editorial Reviews

"...the first comprehensive account of legislative recruitment in Britain in 25 years....While this very well documented study emphasizes Britain, instructive comparisons are made to parliamentary and presidential systems of other countries. Of value to all interested in the ramifications of democratic politics." Choice

From the Publisher