interest groups

S&S definition - interest groups

an organization whose central political goal is to ensure that the state follows certain policies

3 major types of interest groups

1. sectoral (specific sectors like the economy - trade unions)

2. promotional (promote a certain issue - Green Peace)

3. institutional (corporate orgs, universities)

3 issues of interest group (im)partiality

1. bias in formation
2. access/capacity
3. influence

lobbying definition S&S

when representatives of the group meet with officials regarding a law or regulation

2 components of the lobbyist/official quid pro quo

1. influence of interests - gain advantage for their cause/preferential treatment
2. politicians gain specialized info from stakeholders, could gain their consent and cooperation

9 other possible avenues of action

1. economic power (eg strikes)
2. "outside lobbying" through members
3. electoral politics
4. control of information and expertise
5. public information campaigns
6. coalitions with other groups
7. litigation
8. demonstrations
9. (violence)

problem of interest group activity as a public good
= collective action problem

1. self-interested individuals have incentives to free-ride
2. certain groups may not form/be active due to this desire
   (may affect especially large groups disproportionately)

potential solution to interest groups as public goods

selective benefits if contributions are made
e.g., to encourage active participation in trade unions

2 implications for political influence of interest groups

1. some interests do not become (fully) organized = underrepresented
2. some interests are advantaged - size, privilege, finance

2 inequalities that can be caused by varying political influence b/w groups

1. different agenda-setting power
2. different preference attainment rates

example of implications of collective action problem

insurance providers interest group vs insurance clients interest group - who has more power? what problems of collective action will they face?

pluralism meaning

in this case, various groups compete for influence

3 components of pluralism model of interest group politics

1. govt is largely passive
2. outcome depends on the balance of different pressures
3. assumed open access and level playing field
   --> realistic model?

(neo-)corporatism model of interest group politics

1. govt actively engages with groups
2. govt formally involves them in policy making
3. tripartism - state, capital, labor interests
4. requires spirit of cooperation to work