The question of interest group influence

Collection article | Sammelwerksbeitrag

"Interest groups are a major channel through which citizens can express their opinions to decision-makers. Their participation in policymaking may improve decision-making processes by supporting policies that are in line with citizen preferences and blocking policies that solely reflect the interests of the governing elite. At the same time, however, intense interest group pressures may make it difficult for policy-makers to implement the most efficient policies since such policies often impose costs on parts of the public.Competition among interest groups over the distribution of economic gains may also slow down the rate of economic growth (Olson 1982). Finally, if some groups constantly win, interest group politics may undermine the legitimacy of electorally accountable decision making in a democracy. A normative assessment of the role of interest groups in democracies thus crucially depends upon how much power interest groups have, and how power is distributed among different groups. Moreover, an understanding of the role of interest groups in the policymaking process is essential for explanations of policy outcomes. Finally, analysts trying to advise government on policies also have to be aware of the power of interest groups, as this factor determines the political feasibility of different suggestions. In short, research into variations in influence across groups and political systems is important for a series of reasons. Recognising this fact, political scientists have long engaged in theoretical debates on this issue." (excerpt)

Object Details

• Extent: Seite(n): 25-43
• Language: Englisch
• Notes: Status: Veröffentlichungsversion

References and Relationships

• Bibliographic citation: Opening EU-governance to civil society: gains and challenges; CONNEX Report Series (05)

Classification and Topics

• Subject: Politikwissenschaft ; politische Willensbildung, politische Soziologie, politische Kultur ; Interessengruppe ; Politik ; Demokratie ; Entscheidungsfindung ; Korporatismus ; EU

Contributors, Places and Time

• Event: Geistige Schöpfung
• (who): Dür, Andreas ; Bièvre, Dirk de
• Event: Herstellung
• (who): Kohler-Koch, Beate ; Bièvre, Dirk de ; Maloney, William
• Event: Veröffentlichung
• (who): Universität Mannheim, Mannheimer Zentrum für Europäische Sozialforschung (MZES)
• (where): Deutschland, Mannheim
• (when): 2008

Further information

• URN: urn:nbn:de:0168-ssoar-195292
• Rights: GESIS - Leibniz-Institut für Sozialwissenschaften. Bibliothek Köln
• Last update: 21.06.2024, 4:26 PM CEST