Classifying Pressure Groups Flashcards
What are the 2 classifications of Pressure Groups originally made by Stewart in 1958?
- Protective (interest) groups
- Promotional (cause) groups
What are protective groups/sectional (made my Stewart 1958)
those which seek to cater for the needs and defend the rights of persons or category of persons
What are promotional groups/causes (made by Stewart 1958)
those which seek to advance particular causes and ideas not of immediate benefit to themselves
What are the most powerful and well know protective groups?
those which serve Business interests
&
Trade unions
Where are many business interests protected?
in peak or umbrella organisations
What do peak and umbrella organisations do?
they bring together within the organisation a whole range of other bodies and coordinate their activity and speak on their behalf
What is an example of an Umbrella organisation and how many members does it represent the interests of ?
the British Retail Consortium represents the interest of 11,000 members
Who do trade unions exist to represent and do?
working people by defending and improving heir wages and working conditions
What type of membership do trade unions have?
a closed membership as only those who work in the industry or possess a particular skill are eligible to join them
Who are Britain 66 affiliated to ?
the Trade Union Congress
What is one of the most effective protective groups ?
the National Farmers Union
What are generally the characteristics of a protective group ? (4)
they are well established well connected well resourced respected members
What do promotional groups seek to do ?
Promotional groups seek to advance ideas and causes which are not of benefit to their membership , selfless rather than self-interested
How do promotional groups differ from protective?
Promotional groups are open to people for all sections of the community who share the same values
What is the general life span of promotional groups?
They have a short life span, disappearing once their cause has been appropriately tackled
Who are peak or umbrella organisations members?
not individuals , members are other bodies scubas firms, trade associations or labour unions
Give 4 examples of promotional groups
-RSPCA, Friends of the Earth, Amnesty International , Snowdrop
What was the Snowdrop campaign?
it lobbied on the ban of handguns and the goal was attained
Which associations are traditionally stronger, promotional or protective?why?
Protective as they are better organised and resourced
Why are promotional groups not as successful as protective groups? (3)
- promotional groups operate with limited funds and few, if any full time staff
- tendency to split into rival factions
- less access to the government
What is a popular example of a hybrid group?
- Radar
- British Medical Associations
How is radar and BMA hybrid according to Stewart 1958?
- defends the interests of its members who are disabled but works for the betterment of all disabled people
- BMA engages in campaigning on general health issues such as diet and smoking, however it primarily exists to defend the interest of its medical professionals
What was the classification of the alternative typology originally developed in the 1980’s by Wyn Grant?
Insider and Outsider groups
What is Grants 1980’s approach based on?
the relationship of groups with the central decision makers in government
What did Wyn Grant say?
“one needs to look not just at the behaviour of the groups, but also at the behaviour of the government”
What are insider and outsider groups?
Insider groups are regularly consulted by government
Outsider groups either do not want access or are unable to attain recognition
What promotional groups are also insider groups ?
RSPB
briefly , what are the 3 criticisms of Grants 1980 typology?
1) the distinction is not clear cut
2) more groups have insider status than Grant originally suggested
3) distinction is less valid as new forms of politics has risen in the 1990’s
How are Friends of the Earth both an insider and an outsider group?
- in dialogue with the government
- maintain direct action activities that attract money and popular support
What is an example of how there are more insider groups that Grant originally suggested?
200 bodies were on the list for consultation on issues relating to motor cycles
How can the new form of politics critique Grants typology?
the European Union allows a platform for pressure groups to appeal to in Brussels when Whitehall decision makers are despondent
