Pressure Groups Insider Outsider Groups Learning Intentions To

Pressure Groups Insider & Outsider Groups

Learning Intentions § To understand the difference between ‘insider’ & ‘outsider’ pressure groups. § To consider the effectiveness of each type of pressure group.

Pressure Groups § Pressure groups can use a variety of methods to gain support. § However, the methods used by a pressure group to gain attention will depend on the kind of pressure group they are. § We can refer to a pressure group as an Outsider group or Insider group.

Insider Groups § Insider groups are supported and consulted by the government. § Insider groups have an important role in the governing of the country. § They have an expert knowledge of a particular issue or sector. § They can be very powerful as they may take part in the formation of new laws and changes to existing laws.

Insider Groups § Insider groups may have a significant influence on the public due to their identity – the public may be more willing to listen to ‘the experts’ than government ministers. § Insider groups use low-key methods to promote their aims e. g. lobbying, negotiation or letters.

Insider Groups

Insider Groups § The British Medical Association (BMA) which represents the country's doctors, are on the ‘inside track’ of Government. § The BMA have a lot of expertise and public support. Government Ministers, traditionally, are keen to seek out their views and have them ‘on side’. § For example, if the Government is planning to reform the health system, it could be harmful if the BMA were against their plans.

Outsider Groups § Outsider groups are on the ‘outside’ of the decision making process and therefore do not normally have the same influence on government as insider groups. § They are not consulted by government. Morever, the government is usually in disagreement with their aims and beliefs.

Outsider Groups § Outsider groups normally use methods that are designed to generate a lot of media attention. § Some pressure groups like the CND will regularly break the law by causing disruption, in order to gain attention. § However, not all Outsider groups are the same, some Outsider groups are willing to use more extreme methods (terrorism) than others.

Outsider Groups

Outsider Groups

Inside & Outside? § Some groups can be both inside and outside of the decision making process. § Trade unions can be inside if their leadership is supportive of Government. § Make Poverty History will have some groups within it on the inside e. g. SCIAF but perhaps not the more radical anti-globalisation demonstrators

Activity: Investigate at least two; § § § Friends of the earth Fathers 4 justice Greenpeace Oxfam JUSTICE Action on Smoking and Health § § § Electoral Reform Society Migration. Watch UK Stop the War Coalition National Secular Society Tax. Payers' Alliance § Any other relevant group

Activity Answer the following questions; 1. What is the aim of this pressure group? 2. Is this group a single issue group? 3. Is the organisation an insider or outsider group? 4. How does this group get it’s funding 5. Does this group use peaceful or non-peaceful methods of protest? 6. How successful is the pressure group in influencing government? Provide detailed examples for each question