Political parties, democratic dilemmas & tradeoffs for group representation

We’re excited to host a thought-provoking session featuring Zoe Greene, Professor of Politics in the University of Strathclyde. Dr Zoe Greene explores the causes and consequences of intra-party politics for elections, government behaviour and public policy.

🗣 Talk Title: Political parties, democratic dilemmas & tradeoffs for group representation

Join Us for the latest of the Strathclyde Institute for Sustainable Communities (SISC) seminar series!

This event is the latest in our seminar series, which brings together researchers, practitioners and community leaders to explore bold ideas for building more inclusive, resilient and sustainable communities.

Abstract

Diverse groups and communities struggle to influence politics in historic democracies. The criticism often goes that major organisations such as the UK Labour or Conservative parties pay only lip-service to community demands and fail to deliver meaningful reforms in practice. Political parties themselves struggle to keep up with increasing social and economic diversity, widescale political apathy and technological reforms that further encourage a winner-take-all approach to politics. Furthermore, many of the most commonly discussed solutions also lead politicians to treat major decisions using a zero-sum approach that treats compromise and consensus as a negative outcome.

In this presentation, I’ll outline a political science framework for understanding these challenges and highlight evidence from voter surveys, political party decisions and ultimately government policy-making in a range of European countries. This evidence will highlight both the difficulties for community influence and the tradeoffs that come with technological and institutional reforms. Institutional reformers, therefore, should carefully weigh how to improve group representation while avoiding the risk of making democratic politics more chaotic, more polarised, and ultimately less responsive to the communities they serve.

🕒 Time: 12:30–13:30

The room will be open from 12:00 to 14:00 to allow for attendees who would like to bring their own lunch / tea and coffee and for informal networking before and after the seminar (12:00-12:30 and 13:30-14:00).

📍 Location: Level 8, StrathUnion, University of Strathclyde

Directions:

• Enter the Teaching and Learning building entrance where Richmond Street and North Portland Street meet (https://maps.app.goo.gl/BihCKkmhcVXv44f39).

• Walk directly forward and take the lift to Level 8.

• There will be signs to enter the room as you exit the lift. If in doubt, ring the office buzzer and ask for help.

For online attendees, a link will be sent with details on how to join the event remotely.

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*Note:If you are not a member of staff at the University of Strathclyde, please select the ticket option “Non-staff of the University of Strathclyde.” Please note that non-staff attendees may participate virtually only.

*Photography & Marketing Please note that photos may be taken during this event and could be used for marketing and promotional purposes. By attending, you consent to the use of your image in such materials. If you do not wish to appear in any photos, kindly let us know in advance or inform a member of the team during the event.

If you have any queries please contact [email protected]

We look forward to seeing you there!

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Host or Publisher Strathclyde Institute for Sustainable Communities