Why is representation of an identity in an institution important to those who share that identity?

Kenneth J. Meier and Jill Nicholson-Crotty’s Gender, Representative Bureaucracy, and Law Enforcement: The Case of Sexual Assault  discusses how passive and active representation affect law enforcement. Meier and Nicholson-Crotty explore how the issue of sexual assault affects women more than men. Police forces are a majority male institution which report a minority of sexual assault and rape instances. Their study demonstrates how female representation in a police force should help increase the number of reported sexual assaults and attention by the police to the issue. They call for scholars to focus more on the benefits of passive representation.

‘“Get on the Internet” Says the LORD’: Religion, Cyberspace, and Christianity in Contemporary Africa by J. Kwabena Asamoah-Gyadu describes the relationship between Christianity and the internet in Africa. Asamoah-Gyadu discusses the Church of Pentecost (CoP) and International Central Gospel Church (ICPG) usage of the internet to spread the message and stories of Christianity. His work exhibits Christian leaders in Africa who feel the internet is necessary for the church’s modern presence. 

After reading these two pieces, I reflect on how passive representation is unexplored but has the potential for a positive effect on society. We all hope that someone with our beliefs or values will be there to represent us when we are absent from a discussion. Given that values and beliefs are tied to demographics, we must consider how a variety of demographics must be represented in all institutions. The idea of passive representation was one I had considered to have value, but the work of Meier and Nicholson-Crotty demonstrated the extent to which passive representation is necessary. 

Representation of an identity in an institution is important to those who share that identity because it ensures their unique viewpoint will be heard. It varies on the institution depending on how one’s identity could contribute to decision making, but in cases where an identity offers a unique perspective on a decision it is necessary for that group to be represented. 

Student councils are an example of how institutions require representation from all affected identity groups. Students have their own perspective on their institution's decisions. They could be directly affected by a decision or disagree with it due to their values. If there was no student council at a high school or university, then decisions could be made which implicate students. There could be an instance where students are hurt by a school function but faculty are unaware of the harm it could cause.

Overall, institutions affect a wide array of shared identities. In cases where an identity is particularly vulnerable to the behavior of an institution, it is even more important for them to have representation. The biggest challenge for institutions is recognizing how their actions could be detrimental to a group. It’s hard for institutions to see how they harm groups when they continue to make decisions thinking they’re fair to all affected. Institutions must consult their body to understand how groups may be underrepresented. Through active discussion and embracing perspectives, passive representation can be employed effectively.