Local Ethnic Minority Female Representation: An Intersectional Analysis

• In Event: Influence of Identity on Political Perceptions and Outcomes (Virtual Session)

Abstract

With a third of UK local councillors being female and just 7% from an ethnic minority background, this paper analyses the under-representation of ethnic minority women in UK local government. We find that representation varies among minority groups with South Asian males holding more councillor positions compared to their female counterparts while Black female councillors outnumber Black men. Using an intersectional mixed-methods approach, this paper will present findings from quantitative analysis of ethnicity and gender of local councillors as well as qualitative interviews with ethnic minority councillors and local activists. While ethnic minority female councillors can simultaneously increase ethnic and gender representation thereby ‘ticking two boxes at the same time’, we analyse opportunities and barriers to entry in selection and election processes, the role of institutional gatekeepers, and the intersection of racial misogyny experienced by female, Black, Asian and ethnic minority local politicians.

Authors

• Neema Begum, University of Nottingham

• Maria Sobolewska, University of Manchester