Disadvantaged groups gain advantages from descriptive representation in at least four contexts. In contexts of group mistrust and uncrystallized interests, the better communication and experiential knowledge of descriptive representatives enhances their substantive representation of the group's interests by improving the quality of deliberation. In contexts of historical political subordination...

in communities-of-practice (COP) much effort is dedicated to prevent "knowledge hoarding", as if knowledge contribution is the chief success factor. Little attention is paid to knowledge consumers' motivation. Two case studies are presented in which a COP had been much appropriate but, despite organizational support, has dissolved. The prime impediment was reluctant demand for knowledge as comm...

Introduction Oregon is home to about 23,000 pathological gamblers and many of them turn to crime to support their gambling after legal sources of funds are exhausted. Studies show that two out of three pathological gamblers commit crimes in order to pay off debts or to continue gambling (Brown, 1987). While the majority of crimes are non-violent, they affect all of us by contributing to higher ...