Roles of Pressure Groups
Pressure groups play important roles in democracy because of representation and also social welfare. Some important roles of pressure groups are as follows:
- Organized pressure groups are present actively in every political community, as they are inclined to the idea of a social service state.
- The factor of modernization acts as a form of lubricant in machines of functional differentiation.
- When a state is committed to the idea of a welfare state, social groups are assigned greater responsibilities and roles in politics. Also, when a state adopts a policy of a positive role in planning and service, they become increasingly dependent on such groups.
Pressure Groups and Movements
A pressure group refers to a group of people; who are organized activities for promoting and defending their common interests. It is called so for bringing a change in public policies by the exertion of some pressure on the government and also acts as a catalyst between the government and its members.
Pressure groups are also referred to as interest groups or vested groups and they differ from the political parties; as they do not contest in elections and also do not try to capture political power. Protection and promotion of their members from the influence of the government are one of their primary concerns. They influence policy making and policy implementation in the government through legal as well as legitimate methods.
These groups come in a variety of shapes and sizes :
- From the standpoint of purpose, self-seeking, and altruism.
- With regard to the point of tenure, ephemeral and long-term; and with regard to the formal or informal bureaucratic organization, taking into account the fact of power position.
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