Features of a pressure group?
- Tend to focus on a narrow set of or a single issue
- Rarely put up candidates for election
- Try to influence and change policy without becoming the policy makers
Differences between parties and pressure groups
1) Parties have stances on all issues whereas pressure groups tend to only have stances on one
2) Pressure groups do not usually stand candidates for election whereas parties do
3) Some pressure groups i.e. Surfers Against Sewage are free to join
Why is it sometimes difficult to distinguish between pressure groups and parties?
- Some parties appear to be single issue and some pressure groups i.e. 38Degrees appear to be multi-issue
- Some pressure groups successfully stand candidates for election
Example of a pressure group successfully standing a candidate for election?
Dr Richard Taylor was MP for Wyre Forest from 2001-2010, standing for the Kidderminster Hospital and Health Concern group.
Who made the distinction between sectional and promotional pressure groups?
Rob Baggott
When did Baggott first suggest the idea of sectional and promotional pressure groups?
1995
What is a sectional pressure group?
- A pressure group which represents a particular section of society.
- Membership is closed to anyone who isn’t a member of that section of that society.
- Its members expect to make personal gains from campaigning.
Examples of Sectional Pressure Groups?
- Institute of Directors (IoD)
- National Union of Teachers (NUT)
- National Farmers’ Union (NFU)
- Confederation of British Industry (CBI)
What is a promotional pressure group?
- Promotional pressure groups promote a set of economic or political objectives or ideas
- Membership is open to anyone who supports their cause
Examples of promotional pressure groups?
- Greenpeace
- Amnesty International
- Campaign for Real Ale (CAMRA)
Who made the distinction between insider and outsider pressure groups?
Wyn Grant
When did Grant first make the distinction between insider and outsider pressure groups?
1989
What is an insider pressure group?
- A pressure group that has regular, privileged and institutionalised access to decision makers
- May be in their position because of their expertise or legitimacy
- Most are sectional and play by the rules
Examples of insider pressure groups
Institute of Directors and the NSPCC
What is an outsider pressure group?
- A pressure group largely excluded from political consultation or access to decision makers
- Lack resources and weight
- Tend to work outside the mainstream political process
Examples of outsider pressure groups?
Fathers4Justice or the Animal Liberation Front
