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
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