Many see the issue of representation as a superficial longing tangled up in identity politics. However, lack of representation has astonishing impacts when it comes to positions of power; how will the needs of a certain social group be met if people with their experience have no say in politics?
It often appears as if representation is only acceptable when utilised by socially privileged groups. For instance, the concept of diversity is often used in the marketing of private institutions such as schools and universities in order to appear progressive. But in reality, most of these institutions are not fully committed to supporting and protecting the interests of minority groups in their spaces. Moreover, in British society, the concept of ‘diversity’ is often a marketing tool void of any determined efforts to improve the lives of those to whom they attempt to represent.