Factors Contributing to the Underrepresentation of Certain Groups in Congress
The representation of some groups in Congress has become an urgent theme for discussion from various perspectives. According to recent Pew Research Center findings, about 28% of all Congress members are women, while other groups’ ratings are unequal: Black (13%), Native Americans (1%), Hispanics (19%), Asians (6%), and open gays/lesbians (13 people) (Leppert & Desilver, 2023; Schaeffer, 2023a, 2023b).
On the one hand, it means that the nature of representation for different minority groups is relatively liberal, and the United States Constitution allows all people who are native citizens to become members of Congress. On the other hand, the proportions of members and the quality of work are not equal. For example, Broockman (2013, as cited in Lowande et al., 2019) admits that black members are more likely to respond to black citizens compared to white representatives. Similar correlations can be made concerning other minority groups. The reasons for underrepresenting these groups in Congress may include racism, sexism, and socioeconomic stratification based on pragmatism and skepticism.
The Increasing Representation of Women and Minorities in Congress
Today, the trend in which more women and minorities are represented is properly recognized because of the inevitability of change. It is hard to ignore that people want to make changes and achieve some improvements in different spheres, including the policies that advance gay or other minorities’ rights ((Bishin et al., 2021). Congress is the face of the country, and the restriction of minority rights is no longer appreciated. Still, Black/Hispanic/Native American/Asian vulnerability cannot be properly solved, proving that specific issues have to be solved.
The Impact of Underrepresentation on Congressional Decision-Making
I think the underrepresentation of women and minorities has a particular impact on Congress’s business. First, no one can ignore or forget the outcomes of racial or gender discrimination, and people continue learning from their history. Second, the representation of all social groups helps address the issues of education, wages, healthcare access, and employment.
Strategies for Promoting Equal Representation in Congress
Finally, Congress needs to be diverse and equal for all its members because this business defines the quality of American life. We, as people, should address this situation and continue striving towards equal representation in all spheres. Few official networks and environments exist where people with different demographic characteristics and interests can feel safe and respected. Therefore, as American citizens, our goal is to ensure diversity, freedom, and trust, and the first interventions should touch Congress.
References
Bishin, B. G., Freebourn, J., & Teten, P. (2021). The power of equality? Polarization and collective mis-representation on gay rights in Congress, 1989–2019. Political Research Quarterly, 74(4), 1009-1023. Web.
Leppert, R., & Desilver, D. (2023). 118th Congress has a record number of women. Pew Research Center. Web.
Lowande, K., Ritchie, M., & Lauterbach, E. (2019). Descriptive and substantive representation in congress: Evidence from 80,000 congressional inquiries. American Journal of Political Science, 63(3), 644-659. Web.
Schaeffer, K. (2023a). 118th Congress breaks record for lesbian, gay and bisexual representation. Pew Research Center. Web.
Schaeffer, K. (2023b). U.S. Congress continues to grow in racial, ethnic diversity. Pew Research Center. Web.