Pressure Groups Flashcards
What is a Pressure Group?
An organisation with a single interest or goal who look to influence those in power through public support and persuading the Government to support their point of view.
Two types of pressure groups.
Sectional groups- look after their own section of society.
causal groups-campaign for a particular issue or cause, often one that does not affect its members directly.
Causal pressure group membership.
Open and therefore relatively easy for anyone to join.
Sectional pressure group membership.
Closed (only open to those working in an industry relating to that group).
Example of a Causal Group.
RSPCA, Oxfam (campaign on behalf of those who are unable to themselves).
Example of Sectional Group.
Professional associations (British medical association/BMT). Trade Unions (national union of rail, maritime and transport/RMT).
PG methods
Lobbying research + publish reports Give evidence at hearings organise publicity campaigns organise public demonstrations publicity stunts civil disobedience go on strike celebrity spokesperson test cases in court digital campaign
What is an insider group?
Have a special relationship with the Government an are given access to officials and decision makers.
What is an outsider group?
Do not have close access to the government and therefore resort to activities that will catch attention from the press in order to publicise their cause and put pressure on the government to take the action they desire.
