Final answer:
Collective representations are a product of the collective consciousness, reflecting the complex aggregation of societal values and beliefs, not mere individual choices. In small groups, collective action problems are less severe due to more effective monitoring and peer pressure. In politics, individual actions lead to representation, but the collective functioning of such bodies is governed by complex forces beyond individual preference.
Step-by-step explanation:
Collective representations cannot be reduced to individuals because collective representations are products of the collective consciousness. Individuals certainly play a role within society, but the aggregate ideas, values, and beliefs that make up the collective consciousness are far larger and more complex than any single individual's thoughts. This collective consciousness influences and is reflected in institutions, laws, customs, and cultural norms, which in turn shape individual choices, but are not creations of isolated individuals.
When considering collective dilemmas and representation, it's crucial to understand the interplay between individual agency and systemic structures. The collective action problems discussed by economists like Mancur Olson highlight how individuals may face disincentives to take action that benefits the collective due to the cost-benefit analysis on an individual level. However, collective action is less severe in small groups because monitoring and peer pressure can influence individual behavior more effectively.
In political representation, although individuals vote for their representatives, these representatives must negotiate and sometimes compromise in order to achieve a level of collective representation for the diverse population they serve. Thus, while individual actions lead to representation, the overall structure and functioning of Congress are shaped by a multitude of forces that transcend individual choices or preferences.