The 118th Congress, as of 2024, sets a new benchmark for racial and ethnic diversity. It includes 133 members who identify as Black, Hispanic, Asian American, American Indian, Alaska Native, or of multiracial heritage (Schaeffer, 2021). This composition represents about one-fourth of the total Congressional body, with a higher representation in the House of Representatives at 28%, compared to 12% in the Senate. While Congress is becoming more racially and ethnically diverse, it still does not fully mirror the demographic makeup of the United States. In the current Congress, non-Hispanic White Americans make up 75% of the voting members, a figure that is disproportionately higher than their 59% representation in the overall U.S. population (Schaeffer, 2021). Furthermore, over a hundred years since Jeannette Rankin of Montana, a Republican, became the first female member of Congress, the number of women serving in the national legislature has reached a record high. Currently, there are 153 female legislators, constituting 28% of the total members of Congress (Schaeffer, 2021).
Nature of Representation
These trends show that a notable disparity remains despite progress towards a more diverse Congress. The limited representation of certain demographic groups in Congress is influenced by various factors, such as entrenched systemic obstacles, disparities in resources and access, and prevailing societal biases (Barr & Pae, 2013).
Reasons for Underrepresentation
The lack of representation for minorities in Congress can be attributed to societal challenges and discrimination. According to Barr and Pae (2013), women often face the expectation to prioritize family and domestic responsibilities over personal interests and careers, which men are typically more free to pursue. Additionally, ethnic minorities encounter specific obstacles in professional advancement that their majority counterparts do not, highlighting the systemic inequalities present in society (Sanbonmatsu, 2020). This scenario is compounded by cultural norms that continue to influence political discourse, where uniqueness is often not celebrated but suppressed or ridiculed, hindering true diversity and inclusion in political arenas.
Trends in Increased Representation
The increasing diversity in representation can be attributed to growing societal recognition and initiatives to enhance diversity (Sanbonmatsu, 2020). There is a noticeable uptick in the number of women and minority candidates seeking office, paralleled by a voter base more inclined to elect candidates from diverse backgrounds (Zaru et al., 2020).
Impact of Underrepresentation on Congressional Business
The lack of women and minority voices in Congress can influence its operations, potentially resulting in legislation that doesn’t fully account for the needs and viewpoints of these communities (Zaru et al., 2020). Having a more diverse representation can lead to more inclusive legislation that considers a wider range of experiences and perspectives.
Addressing Underrepresentation
Dealing with bias and fostering an environment that values and celebrates diversity is essential for achieving a Congress that truly represents the American populace. Integrating education on equality into school curriculums is a foundational step towards addressing these issues (Zaru et al., 2020). By implementing these educational measures and demonstrating a commitment to diversity, we pave the way for students to excel without fearing discrimination, cultivating positive attitudes. This approach aims to nurture a generation of citizens that more accurately mirrors the diversity of the United States. While the educational system’s efforts to effect change will take time to manifest, immediate actions such as promoting voting rights and participation offer a direct method to mitigate underrepresentation (Sanbonmatsu, 2020). Every U.S. citizen can voice their opinions through vote, choosing representatives who best align with their interests and contribute to a more inclusive and representative Congress.
References
Barr, C., & Pae, I. (2013). The Under-Representation of Minorities in Political Careers. Journal of Undergraduate Research at Minnesota State University, Mankato, 13(1), 2. DOI: https://doi.org/10.56816/2378-6949.1001
Sanbonmatsu, K. (2020). Women’s Underrepresentation in the U.S. Congress. Daedalus, 149(1), 40-55. https://doi.org/10.1162/daed_a_01772
Schaeffer, K. (2021). The changing face of Congress in 7 charts. pewresearch.org.https://www.pewresearch.org/short-reads/2023/02/07/the-changing-face-of-congress/
Zaru, D., Jones, K. B., & Mitropoulos, A. (2020). Record gain for women in Congress highlights lack of diversity among republicans.abcnews.com.https://abcnews.go.com/Politics/record-gain-women-congress-highlights-lack-diversity-republicans/story?id=74023373
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