Why the constituency work of MPs bears comparison with social work

Jo Warner reports on a qualitative study using semi-structured interviews with thirteen MPs. The aim of the research was to find out what characterises their constituency work and to understand why it apparently bears comparison with social work. MPs in the study engaged in face-to-face emotional labour in which they formed empathic relationships with people and places to represent them. They practised judgment under uncertainty, and were embedded in local organisational networks of risk and trust with local authorities and other agencies.