Diverse candidates – diverse positions?

The inclusion of underrepresented groups in parliaments has received increasing attention, yet most studies focus on their presence rather than on their behaviour. In particular, little is known about their public position-taking during election campaigns. This study examines whether women and immigrant-origin candidates exhibit different levels of party line conformity compared to their non-marginalised counterparts. Using data from a candidate voting-advice application and survey data from three German Bundestag elections, the analysis finds that marginalised candidates adhere more closely to the party line, even when their personal policy preferences diverge. This suggests an anticipated social group status penalty, whereby marginalised candidates experience heightened pressure to align with party expectations to avoid intra-party disadvantages. The findings highlight a paradox: increased descriptive representation does not necessarily lead to greater substantive representation, as structural inequalities and informal institutions reinforce positional conformity. Thus, institutional reforms are needed to strengthen the substantive representation of marginalised groups.