Age and Descriptive Representation in Southern Europe: The Impact of the Great Recession on National Parliaments. Issue 2 (3rd April 2021)

• Record Type: Journal Article
• Authors: Freire, André; Pedrazzani, Andrea; Tsatsanis, Emmanouil; Coller, Xavier; Segatti, Paolo
• Is Part Of: South European society & politics. Volume 26:Issue 2(2021)
• Page Start: 271
• Page End: 301
• Publication Date: 2021-04-03
• Subjects: Political representation -- crisis -- elites -- democratic renewal -- anti-political establishment parties -- Italy -- Greece -- Portugal -- Spain; Europe, Southern -- Politics and government -- Periodicals; Europe, Southern -- Social conditions -- Periodicals; 940
• DOI: 10.1080/13608746.2022.2026336
• Languages: English
• ISSNs: 1360-8746

Abstract

ABSTRACT: This article looks at how well different age groups are represented in the parliaments of Portugal, Spain, Italy and Greece. We focus on three periods – before, during and after the 'Great Recession' – assuming the economic turmoil has generated new demands channelled by new parties that have recently entered parliament or have had a surge during the crisis. Data comes from mass surveys carried out in each country and from MP biographies. The findings reveal relevant changes in Spain and Italy, with more young people in the parties that appeared or had a surge during the crisis, whereas in Greece and Portugal no relevant changes are observed.