PRESSURE GROUPS

SS1 GOVERNMENT

3rd Term

8th & 9th Weeks

PRESSURE GROUPS

Meaning: A pressure group may be defined as any group of people bound together by some common interests or profession who engage in some activities to influence government policies to their own advantage.

Types

1.       Economic pressure groups: These pressure groups focus on the economic wellbeing of their members. They comprise mostly producers and manufacturers. E.g. Nigerian Association for chamber of commerce, industry, mines and agriculture (NACCIMA), and the Manufacturers Association of Nigeria (MAN).

2.       Professional or occupational pressure groups: These are pressure groups embracing workers of the same occupation or profession who try to protect their work or professional interests. Nigerian Medical Association, Nigerian Union of Teachers, Nigerian Bar Association, and National Union of Road Transport Workers.

3.       Religious pressure groups: these are pressure groups of people that belong to the same religion and wish to influence government decisions in favour of their belief. e.g. Christian Association of Nigeria, Nasrul-Lahi-L-Fatih Society (NASFAT),  Supreme Council for Islamic Affairs etc.

4.       Promotional group: these are pressure groups that promote a particular course. E.g. National Council for Eradicating Illiteracy, Human Rights groups and Red Cross.

5.       Anomic pressure groups: these are interest groups that use violent demonstrations, arson, assassination, strike and the like, in expressing their aims and objectives. They are mob groups, not legitimately recognized, but they may be pursuing public interest

Functions

1.       To mobilize people for a particular purpose

2.       To make recommendations to the government concerning some social problems

3.       To educate the public on some of their civic rights and responsibilities

4.       They can carry out voluntary investigations to expose a crime against the society

5.       To organize debate on public issue

6.       To influence public opinion

7.       To organize a protest

8.       To protect the rights of their members

9.       To provide access point for those seeking redress

10.   To represent minorities who cannot represent themselves

Factors that can aid its effective operations

1.       The number and caliber of  its dedicated members

2.       Source of finance

3.       Level of Organization

4.       The nature and extent of mass media coverage of pressure group activity

5.       Their cooperation with other organizations

6.       The gap between their opinion and the established public opinion

7.       Indirect access to the government

Mode of its operations

1.       Online: the operations of some pressure groups are mainly online

2.       Protest/Demonstrations: the impact of some of them is felt during public demonstrations

3.       The use of ultimatum: this comes up after different avenues of dialogues have been exhausted without desirable results

4.       Working alliance with political party

5.       Consultation: some run as consultants

6.       Seminars and conferences

7.       Interview and dialogue with government representatives