Every politician says they’re for the working man, so why are only 1% of elected officials from the working class?

Politicians frequently claim to champion the working class, yet only a minute fraction of elected officials hails from working-class backgrounds. This glaring disparity carries significant implications. Research in the U.S. and other democracies suggests that with fewer working-class individuals in office, safety net programs become less generous, business regulations grow laxer, and worker protections weaken compared to what they would be if more former working-class individuals held political power.

While working-class folks can occasionally sway policy through other avenues, the scarcity of former workers in elected positions means that their concerns are often sidelined in political institutions worldwide.

Identifying the causes behind this underrepresentation proves challenging. Working-class candidates appear to possess comparable qualifications, enthusiasm, and win rates compared to their white-collar counterparts. Yet, they are notably less likely to run for office. This reluctance stems from the personal burdens associated with political campaigns, encompassing time commitments, financial risks, and potential threats.

In surveys conducted across various democracies, working-class individuals are more inclined to cite practical concerns—such as the inability to take time off work or sustain themselves during extensive campaign periods—as reasons for eschewing political candidacy.

Moreover, the political arena itself plays a crucial role in this phenomenon. Political parties and interest groups wield considerable influence in candidate recruitment, often favoring white-collar professionals who they perceive as having an easier path to electoral success. These gatekeepers, despite their professed dedication to the working class, systematically overlook qualified working-class candidates in favor of those they deem more electable.

Addressing this imbalance necessitates systemic reforms. Proposed solutions include initiatives like candidate training programs, political scholarships targeted at working-class individuals, and the implementation of party quotas or randomly selected citizen juries to facilitate smoother pathways to elected office. However, without concerted efforts to dismantle the barriers that deter working-class individuals from running for office, the representation of working-class people in political institutions is unlikely to improve significantly in the foreseeable future.