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Why do elected officials spend so much time attending weddings, funerals, and banquets—events that seem far removed from the political arena? A new study by Dr. Tao Wang, Lecturer in Political Communication at Manchester Metropolitan University, offers a surprising answer: it’s not just about being seen—it’s about helping others be seen.

In democracies where personal connections to power are prized, constituents often invite legislators to private events not for policy discussions, but to boost their own social standing. Dr. Wang calls this phenomenon “performative responsiveness”—a form of political theatre where voters seek to display their ties to powerful figures, and politicians, in turn, play along to maintain visibility and gain electoral advantage.

Drawing on elite interviews in Taiwan, the study reveals how voters treat the presence of lawmakers like a status symbol—akin to adorning a bride with gold. Politicians, aware of this demand, sometimes even stage appearances to fabricate closeness with constituents. The result is a mutually reinforcing performance that shapes political representation in subtle but significant ways.

Dr. Wang’s research not only sheds light on Taiwan’s political culture but also points to similar dynamics in countries like Bangladesh, Ghana, Japan, Korea, and Malawi. His work challenges traditional theories of representation and opens new avenues for understanding how social norms and political incentives intertwine.

The East Asia Study Group are excited to host Tao at this talk discussing his work. Find out more information and register for the event here.