In this article you will learn about Functional Representation in Political Science.
Functional Representation
Functional Representation is also known as occupational representation. It is opposed to the system of territorial or geographic representation which is criticised by it as inconsistent with the true spirit of democracy. It is suggested that members elected by territorial constituencies are not real representatives as no single person can represent the interests of all the professions, trade and occupations of the people who live in each territorial constituency. It is held by the supporters of Functional Representation that only a doctor can represent doctors, only an engineer can represent engineers, only a teacher can represent teachers, and so on. It advocates that representation should be given on a functional basis. Each functional class or group should be given the opportunity and right to elect its representative/representatives. Division of society into functional classes or groups should be made and each functional group should elect some of its members as their representatives.
Difficulties involved in putting Functional Representation into Operation
The system of functional representation has a valid point. But it is always very difficult to put this system into operation. Each function has several streams or even sub-functions. For example, doctors constitute broadly one functional group but in reality they stand divided into several functional groups like Surgeons, Physicians, Specialists, Homoeopathic doctors, Ayurvedic practitioners, Vet doctors, para-medical staff, and some others. In case all these categories are clubbed into one functional group/constituency, the purpose gets defeated. And in case each sub-function or a stream is kept in a separate functional group, there emerge so many functional groups that it leads to an undue fragmentation of electorate and representatives. That is why, despite having a good case, the system of functional representation has failed to become popular.
Merits of Arguments in favour of Functional Representation
1. Functional Representation is better than Territorial Representation : Functional Representation ensures the representation of teachers by a teacher, doctors by a doctor, engineers by an engineer and the like. It is a more useful method of representation.
2. In tune with the Social Organization : Each society lives as a society of several groups of workers, doctors, engineers, teachers, traders, industrialists, and other occupational groups. As such Functional Representation is more compatible with the social organisation. It stands for giving representation to all professional groups/classes.
3. People are more interested in securing their professional interests than territorial interests : All the people living in a society are popularly identified on the basis of their respective professions. They always organise their interest groups, unions, and associations for securing their interests. Naturally, they also want representation for securing their professional interests.
This article on Functional Representation in Political Science is contributed by Dipshikha Anand. If you like LawStudyPoint.com do follow us on our Twitter handle.