Lesson Starter

Describe, in detail, the advantages and

disadvantages of STV.

Today we will…

•Describe what a pressure group is.

Success Criteria•List the reasons why

people want to join pressure groups.

•Explain the difference between cause groups (sectional and attitude) and interest groups.

Pressure Groups: Membership and Support

•Thousands pressure groups exist in UK - from local groups to global organisations.•Some are funded with millions of pounds, others survive on a shoestring budget

Can you think of any names of Pressure

Groups?

•No matter how different the pressure groups may be, they all have one common aim: To put pressure on the government to shape policy in line with the views of the group.•Not all pressure groups focus on trying to influence the government, some target private companies, e.g. ‘McSpotlight’ who campaign against McDonalds.

Pressure Groups: Membership and Support

Why do people join Pressure Groups?

You will be given a list of reasons on why people decide to join pressure groups.

With your shoulder partner, order the reasons in order of importance.

You must be able to justify your choice with evidence.

Task

•A way to express yourself out with traditional political arena i.e. elections•A way to express yourself between elections•To take part in campaigns – e.g. protest about issues they feel strongly about not high on the political agenda •There is strength in numbers – a large group more likely to be listened to than an individual•More effective resources if grouped together e.g. expertise, money, premises, transport etc•To get support from like minded people

Why do people join Pressure Groups?

Types of Pressure Groups

Pressure groups can be divided into 2 categories;

• cause groups and• interest groups.

Each have very different aims and objectives, as well as different levels of power and influence.

Pressure Groups

Cause Groups

Interest Groups

Cause Groups

• United by a view of how society could be improved for others. Interested in causes not directly linked to members of the group

• Sectional cause groups Promote the interests of disadvantaged groups or sections in society.

• United in their concern for disadvantaged people, animals or the environment. e.g. Action Against Child PovertyCan you think of any

names of cause groups?

• Shelter are another cause group they are concerned with the problems faced by……

Age Concern – concerned about the problems faced by……..

Scottish Society for the Prevention of Cruelty to Animals is concerned about the problems faced by…

Attitude Cause Groups

• Groups of individuals who share a particular attitude and • aim to influence public opinion and shape attitudes on a particular issue e.g. Scottish

Campaign for Nuclear Disarmament• SCND say that the banning of nuclear weapons would benefit all of mankind – are they

correct in this statement?

Interest Groups• Unlike cause groups -

these groups represent only the interests of their members.

• Usually Trade Unions and professional associations….. can influence the government in shaping policy

Can you think of any

names of interest groups?

This group represents teachers.

Insider Pressure Group

Outsider Pressure Group

Usually have expert knowledge on an issueHave access to government and are often consulted and listened to by government when deciding on policies, new laws/changes to laws.Work within the law.

Are on the ‘outside’ of the decision making process and have less influence on government.Government does not consult with them.Usually use methods that they hope will gain lots of media attention. Sometimes this involves illegal methods.

Types of Pressure Groups

Thinking Task: What did I learn?

1. What are the names of the different types of Pressure Groups?

2. Who would want to join these groups?

3. Can you predict any problems with joining an outsider group ?

Higher order thinking

Lower order thinking

Thinking Task: What did I learn? Answers

1. Interest Groups, Cause Groups, Attitude cause groups, Sectional Cause Groups, Insider and Outsider Groups.

2. People who wanted to change things for the better in society and who want to join people who have similar views as them.

3. Possible illegal actions may be taken.

Was I successful? •List the reasons why

people want to join pressure groups.

•Explain the difference between cause groups (sectional and attitude) and interest groups.