The Context Matters: The Effects of Single‐Member versus At‐Large Districts on City Council Diversity
@article{Trounstine2008TheCM, title={The Context Matters: The Effects of Single‐Member versus At‐Large Districts on City Council Diversity}, author={Jessica Trounstine and Melody E. Valdini}, journal={American Journal of Political Science}, year={2008}, volume={52}, pages={554-569} }
Scholars continue to debate the degree to which electoral institutions matter for representation. The literature predicts that minorities benefit from districts while women benefit from at-large elections. The mechanisms by which institutions affect the ability of traditionally underrepresented groups to win seats have been understudied. Using an analysis of over 7,000 cities and interviews with city councilors, we find that compared to at-large systems, district systems can increase diversity…
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