Kristina, Peter, Ryne

Interest Groups Definition: Any organization that seeks to influence public policy. Not necessarily composed of individual people, but of offices – corporations, law firms, public relation firms, and “letterhead” organizations. Two kinds: institutional and membership.

Institutional Definition: individuals/organizations representing other organizations. Concerned with “bread and butter issues” of concern to their clients. Represent governments, foundations, and universities.

Membership Many different kinds – social, business, professional, veterans, charitable organizations, labor unions, religious, civic, political, etc. Need incentives to begin.

Incentives Solidary – social rewards that lead people to join political organizations (sense of pleasure, status, or companionship). Material – money or things valued in monetary terms. Purpose – benefits that come from serving a cause or principle.

Ideological Interest Groups Ideological interest groups are political organizations that attract members by appealing to their political convictions and/or principles.

Public-Interest Lobbies Definition: political organization whose goals will primarily benefit nonmembers. Pursue noncontroversial goals but often are some of the most controversial groups.

Social Movements Definition: widely shared demands for change in some aspect of the social or political order. Three different kinds of movements mentioned in the book – environmental, feminist, and union.

Environmental and Union Movements Environmental Movement – first in 1890s because of the conservation issue. Originally started with the Sierra Club and moved onto other organizations Union Movement – left over when other social movements have slowed down.

Feminist Movements Solidary – rely on solidary incentives, composed of middle-class women with relatively high levels of education. They have the widest support of the different feminist movements. Ex. LWV – League of Women Voters Purposive – use purpose incentives; have strong positions, tackle divisive issues, and employ militant tactics Ex. NOW – National Organization for Women; NARAL – National Abortion Rights Action League Caucus – receive grants from foundations and government agencies; takes on specific issues that have some material benefit to women Ex. WEAL – Women’s Equity Action League

Funds and Bias All interest groups are funded by foundation grants, federal grants and contracts, and direct mail. Many believe that interest groups reflect an upper-class bias because well-off people are more likely to join and be active in groups. Also, there are more interest groups that represent professions and businesses that are better financed.