Insider groups, such as the Howard League Penal Reform, are less democratic than outsider groups because they concentrate solely on becoming closer with the government and do not have to campaign publicly. This is less democratic as they are not taking direct action to include the people, and could become 'Prisoner groups' where they would have to change or go by the government's rule; this prevents memberships of the pressure groups campaigning for their cause. As a result, these types of pressure groups would be pleasing the government instead, and wouldn't have a huge amount of media coverage because the government may not want the public to know that they are close to that pressure group.
Insider groups are more of a form of representative democracy (which is said to be less democratic), so these groups represent a group of people and their views, but many only campaign for them through their relationship with the government; the people that are part of that pressure group may not be able to campaign themselves. However this is isn't the case for all insider groups as members of the NUT a have striked protested in regards to their wages, working conditions, hours etc.
Sunday, 13 December 2015
Sunday, 6 December 2015
Why are some Pressure Groups more successful than others?
Firstly, some pressure groups (PGs) are more successful than others because of their relationship with the government. Insider groups, especially, are in close contact with senior civil servants and ministers, who are able to influence legislation. For example trade unions work closely with the Labour Party to support the working class and their jobs.
Outsider groups are less successful than insider groups, because these groups are completely independent from the government and they usually wish to cause disruption or inconvenience, such as striking and protesting, to have influence on the government.
Outsider groups are usually unsuccessful because of the violent methods they use, which cannot be associated with the government, so they have to rely on public support to try and gain legislation, for what they are campaigning for. For example, Anti Animal Testimg groups have indirectly influenced the government by harassing and intimidating staff at Huntingdon Life Sciences in Cambridge, to get their message across.
Another reason, on why some PGs are more successful than others, is because of their financial situation. PGs that recieve money from membership fees and donations, usually have a higher success rate because they can afford to advertise and employ professional lobbyists and scientists etc. More publicity for their campaigns, keeps the cause going and raises the attentions of the public. For example the pressure group called ASH, was successful at promoting the dangers of smoking, with lots of publicity and advertising, which resulted in the ban of smoking in public areas.
Some PGs are more successful than others, because of media coverage as it plays a significant role in manipulating the views of the public; portraying them as important or not important. Media is a wide source to advice people, as it is covered on the TV, the Internet and the radio etc. So almost everyone in the country will have seen, or heard something about a pressure group and how they are campaigning, by the media. An example includes the pressure group Live 8, which used the media to raise awareness of problems in Africa; without this, they would've been unsuccessful. A well known charismatic leader also contributes to influencing the success of a pressure group because people seem to listen more to famous figures; Bob Geldof and Bono also helped to promote problems in Africa.
Outsider groups are less successful than insider groups, because these groups are completely independent from the government and they usually wish to cause disruption or inconvenience, such as striking and protesting, to have influence on the government.
Outsider groups are usually unsuccessful because of the violent methods they use, which cannot be associated with the government, so they have to rely on public support to try and gain legislation, for what they are campaigning for. For example, Anti Animal Testimg groups have indirectly influenced the government by harassing and intimidating staff at Huntingdon Life Sciences in Cambridge, to get their message across.
Another reason, on why some PGs are more successful than others, is because of their financial situation. PGs that recieve money from membership fees and donations, usually have a higher success rate because they can afford to advertise and employ professional lobbyists and scientists etc. More publicity for their campaigns, keeps the cause going and raises the attentions of the public. For example the pressure group called ASH, was successful at promoting the dangers of smoking, with lots of publicity and advertising, which resulted in the ban of smoking in public areas.
Some PGs are more successful than others, because of media coverage as it plays a significant role in manipulating the views of the public; portraying them as important or not important. Media is a wide source to advice people, as it is covered on the TV, the Internet and the radio etc. So almost everyone in the country will have seen, or heard something about a pressure group and how they are campaigning, by the media. An example includes the pressure group Live 8, which used the media to raise awareness of problems in Africa; without this, they would've been unsuccessful. A well known charismatic leader also contributes to influencing the success of a pressure group because people seem to listen more to famous figures; Bob Geldof and Bono also helped to promote problems in Africa.
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