1. Aims: Understand how we are represented Stereotypes Look at women in the House of Commons Ethnic Minorities in the House of Commons

2. Britain is made up of different groups of people, e.g.  Old and young  Rich and poor  From different races Each of these groups have different needs – MPS should try to meet the needs of all these people. Is it really like that though?

3. The stereotype of a politician would be a white middle class, middle aged man….. This is actually true – in 2001 most MPS were the above!!!

4. In 2005 the population of women in the UK stood at 51%. If the House of Commons reflected this there would be 330 women MPS, however the number is only 128. 20% of the seats in the House of Commons. Why is this? Picture: All the female Labour MPS with Tony Blair. Labour have the highest number of female MPS.

5. Constituency parties may be reluctant to choose female candidates. House of Commons seen as a male club. Family commitments mean working in London is hard. Unsociable hours make it hard to bring up a family. Does not provide child care to female MPS Career breaks after children would leave them out of politics.

6. Number of British people belonging to Black or Asian minority groups is over 2.5 million. 5% of the population In the House of Commons there were 15 Black or Asian MPS elected which represent 2.32% of all MPS. Why is this?

7. Difficult for them to be selected by constituency parties. Racism exists at all levels of society. Political participation and education - % of Blacks continuing education is lower than Whites. Predominantly white culture in House of Commons may put Black MPS off. Institutionalised racist practices – often not obvious or intentional.

8. Finish activities on page 11. Page 16 – Questions 1-6