Descriptive Symbolic Representation in Everyday Life Free Essay Example, 1250 words

In this light, issues do not take center stage during a campaign, but the need to elect a candidate with the same ethnic background. The electorates believe that if they elect one of their own, they stand a better chance to gain than voting for an outsider. Many candidates have lost elections because they do not belong from a particular ethnic group. Shared experiences also play a part in determining whether a politician can win an election. For instance, there are politicians who started from the bottom. They struggle with the masses in fighting for democracy and were incarcerated. When such persons vie for a political office, they stand a better chance to win because the votes identify with those who fight for their rights. This can explain why veterans in politics lose elections to newcomers. Sometimes, a wave is often created by first-time candidates because, the electorates view the novice politicians as better placed to protect their interests while in office. Individuals elec ted to office are supposed to serve their constituents, however; there is a belief that seasonal politicians are more exploitative than newcomers in politics. We will write a custom essay sample on Descriptive & Symbolic Representation in Everyday Life or any topic specifically for you Only $17.96 $11.86/page This explains the reason why in most new democracies, fewer women candidates vie for political office for fear of reprisal from their dominant male counterparts. Social status, on the other hand, also influences the chances of a person being elected to a political office. In order for a candidate to conduct a successful campaign, he or she needs resources. As such, those with higher social standing in the society are in a position to solicit for resources because they have connections with affluent personalities in the society. The elite in the society tends to support their own during elections to safeguard their interests. This is because, a reelection of their preferred candidate means they continue to maintain the status quo. 6 Politicians as a functional representation In most democracies, politicians are popular depending on what they bring to the table for their constituents.