She spoke with 143 citizens with different ethnic and religious backgrounds across 29 focus groups in three countries: the Netherlands, France and Germany. The term “migration background” encompasses a broad group of people who identify themselves in different ways and have different political views. In her dissertation, De Jong maps out these similarities and differences.

Feeling invisible or misrepresented

Many participants in De Jong’s study described frustration and disappointment. Participants often describe a sense of “non-representation,” feeling that their identities and interests are invisible or ignored. Others describe being misrepresented, as political discourse frequently portrays minorities and Muslims as outsiders who don’t belong.

For many, the way many politicians talk about minority citizens simply doesn’t match how they see themselves. Such misrepresentations reinforce feelings of invisibility and anticipating these kinds of negative portrayals also makes many minority citizens hesitant to get involved in politics at all. ‘When citizens are constantly discussed in this way, it undermines their ability to have their voices heard on their own terms', says De Jong.

Representation goes beyond resemblance

A key insight from the study is that minority citizens don’t automatically support politicians who share their background. While many appreciate that lived experience can help minority politicians understand their communities, they also judge politicians critically, looking at their ideas and ability to make a difference within established parties. Some participants expressed frustration that minority politicians can become “assimilated” within mainstream politics and lose touch with the communities they represent.

Even so, De Jong finds that for citizens, presence matters. ‘By showing that politics isn’t only for white men, minority politicians serve as role models and challenge persistent prejudice in society.’

Comparing feelings of representation

Across all the countries studied, many felt that political representation fell short. However, De Jong notes that the open Dutch political system allows challenger parties, such as DENK and BIJ1, to give voice to minority concerns in parliament. In France and Germany, stricter electoral systems limit such opportunities, which can lead citizens to disengage from politics.

Implications for democracy

De Jong concludes that increasing the number of minority politicians is essential but not enough. 'Real representation requires established political parties to become more inclusive and for majority politicians to take a stronger stand against anti-minority rhetoric,' she says. 'To make democracy work for everyone,” De Jong says, “all voices need to be heard and taken seriously in the political process.'

Defence details

Judith de Jong: 'Minoritized citizens' perspectives on political representation'. Supervisors are Dr L.M. Mügge and Prof A.J.J. Nijhuis. Co-supervisor is Dr E.F. Ersanilli.

De Jong's research was carried out at both the Amsterdam Institute for Social Science Research (AISSR) and the Duitsland Instituut Amsterdam (DIA).

Time and location

Wednesday, 12 November, 13:00 in the Agnietenkapel.