Pressure Groups

1. Pressure Groups Why are they important in Politics?

2. What are Pressure Groups? Definition:- “An organisation which seeks to influence decision makers in relation to a particular issue or policy. Unlike political parties, pressure groups do not stand for elected office” Pressure Groups are-an organisation often with a formal structure which is comprised of individuals seeking to further or defend a common cause or interest

3. WHAT IS A……………….PRESSURE GROUP Three Key Features: • Seek to excerpt INFLUENCE from outside – rather than to win or exercise government power. Do not take policy decisions –instead influence those that do • Typically have a NARROW FOCUS- many focus on a single issue (however others have a BROADER focus • Members are UNITED be either a shared beliefs in a particular issues or common set of interests

4. What is the different between Pressure Groups and Political parties? • In pairs come up with some points to show the difference between pressure groups and political parties

5. Pressure Groups • Do not seek power • Do not have to be held accountable for their actions • Usually have a narrow range of issues focusing on one group of society • Can be selective in its membership and its motives • Some pressure groups may act illegally or promote civil disobedience • Pressure groups sometimes have formal organisations but can often be very loose organisations • Political Parties • Seek political power • Parties are held accountable for their actions • Adopt broad range of policies • Have to appeal to a broad range of people • Must behave in a responsible way • Political parties normally have a formal organisation • Political parties have to deal with controversial issues in a way that benefits the majority of people

6. How are Pressure Groups and Political Parties similar? • Some pressure groups do put up candidates for election even if they do not seek power- CLEAR (Legalisation of Cannabis) presented candidates in the 2010 General election merely to raise the profile of the issue • Some single issues parties look like pressure groups- UKIP began as a anti EU pressure group, the Green Party was an environmental campaign group, and BNP were an anti-immigration group • Some pressure groups (Trade Unions) adopt a wide range of policies • Some pressure groups align themselves very closely with political parties it is difficult to distinguish between them. Unlock Democracy is very closely allied with the Liberal Democrats. Many trade unions have very close links with the Labour party • Many pressure groups become so closely association with government policy and discussions (core insiders) that it raises or changes their perceived status- NFU works very closely with DFRA • Popularity, prestige and success of both pressure groups and political parties are dependent on public approval

7. Types of Pressure Groups (1)SECTIONAL/INTEREST GROUPS • Also referred to as ‘interest’, ‘protective’ or ‘functional’ groups • A groups that represent a specific section of society: workers, employers, consumers, ethnic or religious groups, children, pensioners etc • Have the following features • Concerned to protect or advance the interestsof their members • Membership is limited to people in a particular occupation, career or economic position • Members are motivated by self interest (2)PROMONTIONAL/CAUSE GROUPS • Also referred to as ‘Cause’, ‘Attitude’ or ‘Issue’ groups • Groups that seek to promote a cause rather than the interests of its own members • Causes they seek to advance are many and various-poverty reduction, education, and the environment, to human rights, international development and peace • Have following features • Seek to advance particular ideals or principles • Membership open to all • Members motivated by moral and altruistic concerns

8. EXAMPLES SECTIONAL/INTEREST GROUPS -Trade Unions, Business Corporations, Trade Associations, and Professional bodies • British Medical Association (BMA) -Represents the interests of the Medical profession (2) National Union of Teachers (NUT) Represents the interests of people in education profession

9. Sectional groups can also be known as ‘Umbrella’ or Peak Groups: “A group that coordinates the activities of different pressure groups in the same area of interest –More likely to work more closely with the government” EXAMPLES: (1) Confederation of British Industry (CBI) (2) Trade Union Congress (TUC)

10. Promotional/Cause Groups (1) Friends of the Earth -Promotes environmental issues (2) Amnesty international -advocates the protection of Human Rights and Civil Liberties, Campaigns against use of torture (3)Electoral Reform Society -Campaigns for reform of the electoral system to make it fairer and more representative

11. Exam Focus Distinguish between sectional and promotional groups (5 marks) • Definition of sectional group(with example) • Definition of promotional group (with example) • Outline the main differences between the two

12. Distinguish between a promotional and a sectional pressure group. Model Answer • “A promotional group seeks to promote a cause whereas a sectional group attemptsto pursue the interests of a section of society” (1)-Clear Basic Answer - 1-marks • Promotional groups are not self-interested but are concerned with the welfare ofsociety, for example with environmental or social issues, and hence they have openmembership (2) . Sectional groups are, however, self-interested. They seek friendlylegislation, or to prevent hostile legislation or wish to raise public and government awareness of the interests of their own section of society, and restrict membership to their client groups” (3) Develop the answer – 2 marks • A good example of a promotional group is Friends of the Earth which campaigns on a range of environmental issues (4). An example of a sectional group is the British Medical Association (BMA) which promotes the interests of doctors. (5) Examples provided – 2 mark Maximum mark of 5 awarded!

13. Types of Pressure Groups • Read textbook p.140-142 complete page of booklet Extension: Which type of pressure group is the most likely to be more effective?

14. Blurring of types… • Distinction between Sectional and promotional groups has been criticised • Differences between these groups have been blurred in three ways • Some pressure groups have both sectional and promotional characteristics -UK Coalition of People Living with HIV- appears to be sectional but also carries out promotional activities linked to public health (2) A single pressure groups may include members with both sectional and promotional motivations • Campaign against third runway at Heathrow- local residents concerned about noise pollution, destruction of homes however some have promotional concerns- effect on climate change and ecological sustainability • Some PGs try to mask their sectional motivations by adopting the language and arguments of a promotional group -Eg- BMA- advance and protects the interest of doctors – but often talks about public health, patients welfare and future of the NHS

15. Duel Function groups • 1. Explain what is meant by a duel function group • 2. Outline why the countryside alliance is considered to be a duel function group • 3. Outline 2 other groups that are considered to be duel function • 4. On what issues do ‘local groups’ campaign on • 5. Explain why it is hard to classify some groups as pressure groups (terrorist groups, think tanks)

16. Social Movements Have grown in recent years. • Appear on political scene very rapidly • Mass movements –many thousands of instant followers • Concerned with a narrow range of issues or one single issue • Often temporary –especially if they achieve some success • Methods are striking and flamboyant- Acts of civil disobedience • Loose informal organisations • Followers tend to have attachment to the issue(s) in quesion

17. Making Poverty History • Campaign which exists in a number of countries • Part of a global course of action against poverty • Raise awareness of global poverty and achieve policy change by the governments • In Great Britain the movement consisted of a wide variety of groups- Charities, religious groups, trade union groups and celebrities -to encourage the UK government to take action in reducing global poverty • Campaign attracted large publicity in the media.

18. IN OR OUT? • Professor Wyn Grant placed pressure groups into two categories based on their relationship with the government • The category a pressure group is in will determine a) Success b) Influence c) Strategies adopted of that group Grant identified 2 categories INSIDER Groups OUTSIDER Groups

19. OUTSIDER GROUPS Are groups which are not usually consulted by policy makers Are at a disadvantage to insider groups –have fewer opportunities to determine /influence the direction of policy Outsider groups adopt different strategies Some outsider groups aim to become insider groups Can often attract more attention than insider groups Outsider groups tend to be multi-cause or Promotional groups with a broader range of interests Outsider groups tend to take more direct action, which in some cases can be Illegal such as the methods used by the Animal liberation front and the IRA INSIDER GROUPS Groups who enjoy direct access to government ministers and policy makers as a matter of daily routine Insider groups might be included in regular meetings with ministers and civil servants are often part of the ‘Consultation process’ and members may sit on advisory councils More common for Sectional rather than promotional groups to be insiders Can be two types –Internal and external groups -Example- National Farmers union had a close working relationship with the Ministry of agriculture (DFRA) regardless of which political party is in power Cause groups with specialist knowledge can sometimes ‘win’ or become an insider group

20. Insider Groups-Examples (1) BMA-Advised the coalition government on NHS reforms (2) NFU- consulted by both the British government and the EU on issues such as farm subsidies and agricultural policy (3) CBI- reports regally to government on the state of British business (4) RSPCA- consults with ministers and parliament on animal welfare (5) ASH- involved in the drafting of anti-smoking legislation

21. Outsider Groups-Examples (1) Greenpeace- specialises in acts of disobedience such as destroying genetically modified crops and obstructing whaling ships (2) Plane Stupid- also uses civil disobedience and publicity stunts to obstruct plans to expand airports (3) Unlock Democracy- Campaigns for constitutional reform- not accepted by government as a legitimately represented organisation (4) Taxpayers Alliance- A relatively new group, which rends to be hostile to government, so is not granted insider status.

22. Grant (1995) Insider Groups Types • High Profile insider Groups • Low Profile insider groups • Prisoner Groups • Grant (1995) Outsider Groups types • Potential insider Groups • Outsider Groups by necessity • Ideological outsider Groups

23. Problem with classification • Grant (1999) lists some problems with insider/outsider classification • Some groups employs both insider and outsider tactics- high profile insider groups- ability to garner public opinion and media campaigns strengthens their hand when comes to bargaining with the government. Greenpeace- non violent direct action but also recruits high level business and political advisors • Insider status- matter of degree- some PGs are more insider than others • Insider/Outsider status changes over time- Happens most often when new governments are elected with different goals and priorities-TUC as a high profile insider until 1979, Charter 88- was an outsider up unitl1997 when it assumed more influence under the new Labour government

24. IN or OUT? • Some groups are happy to remain as Outsiders –feeling they would lose their credibility if they were in regular contact with policy makers • More traditional pressure groups can be In or out or in-between depending on circumstances- such as a change in government e.g. . 1997 the anti-hunting lobby became an insider group with the election of New Labour Labour have always had a close relationship with Trade Unions The Conservatives have a close relationship with the CBI

26. Exam Focus Distinguish between insider and outsider groups (10 Marks) -Define what an insider group is -Define what a outsider group is -Identify the similarities and differences between the insider and outsider groups -Give examples of both insider and outsider groups -Briefly finish by explain the problem with this classification

27. FUNCTIONS OF PRESSURE GROUPS • Pressure groups carry out a range of functions. These include: • Representation • Political participation • Education • Policy formulation • Policy implementation

28. 1. Representation • Mouthpiece for groups and interests that are not adequately repressed thought the electoral process or by political parties -HOW DO THEY DO THIS? • Concerned with specific issues rather than broad range of issues • Where as political parties have to broaden their appeal Pressure Groups can articulate the views or interests of particular groups • Suggested that PGs provide an alternative to formal representative process- Functional Representation Representation of groups based on their function within the economy

29. 2. Political Participation • Pressure Groups have increasingly become important agent of political participation • 40-50% of UK citizens belong to at least one voluntary association. (20% belong to 2 or more) • Outsider PG’s seek to excerpt influence by mobilising popular support- though activities such as petitions, marches, demonstrations and other forms of political protests • Political parties are criticised for been ‘Catch-all, election winning machines- pgs are able to represent specific interests or concerns of citizens- e.g. SPUC- anti-abortion all three main political parties supported abortion options • However the ability of Pressure Groups to promote and improve political participation has been questioned • ‘Chequebook Groups’-can undermine sense of participation

30. 3. Education • Public becomes politically aware through pressure groups • Many pressure groups operate largely though their ability to communicate with the public and raise political consciousness • PG devote significant resources to carrying out research, maintaining websites, commenting on government policy, and using experts or celebrities to get their views across • ‘Expert authority’ • However – Pressure groups are as biased as political parties-little checks on what they might say

31. 4. Policy Formulation • Pressure groups are a vital source of information to advise governments • Many groups are therefore regularly consulted in the process of policy formulation • Governments create ‘Policy Networks’ • However questions have been raised about PG ability in policy formulation • Only a small number of privileged groups ‘insider groups’ are involved in policy formulation • Many argue PG should not influence policy formulation as they are not elected and are not accountable to the public

32. 5. Policy implementation • Some PGs work with government to implement policy • National Farmers Union (NFU) works with DEFRA in implementing policies relating to farm subsidies, disease control and animal welfare • This can give groups leverage when It comes to influencing the content of policy • However it can blur the distinction between PGs and government • This has been criticised for two reasons • Some groups have been criticised for been to close with the government –endangering their independence • Suggested that policy implementation give groups unfair political leverage in influencing policy

33. Exam Focus Explain three functions of pressure groups. (10 Marks)