Types of Pressure Group

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Pressure Groups

Pressure groups are organised groups of individuals brought together for the purpose of fulfilling a specific goal, or because of a common cause.

How pressure groups work

Pressure groups aim to influence policies and political decisions or change public attitudes without looking to gain political office.
Pressure groups have a narrowly focused aim or goal which is shared by all pressure group members.

Insider and Outsider Groups

Pressure groups can work inside the political system or put pressure on political players from the outside.

Insider groups

Insider pressure groups have regular contact with decision makers and so are able to work ‘inside’ the political system.
Insider groups are often consulted on specific policy issues by government departments, MPs, political parties and committees.

Privileged insider group access

Insider group privileged access may be based on the view that they are regarded as more moderate than other types of pressure group.
Insider groups need to be careful to keep the government on their side, so tend not to make extreme demands.
Insider group methods of influence involve working closely with those in the political system rather than more extreme methods such as direct action.

Examples of insider groups

NICE (National Institute for Health Care and Excellence) works with the government to create policy around healthcare and the NHS.
The Confederation of British Industry (CBI) and the National Farmers Union (NFU) are both regularly consulted by the government.
The influence of the CBI has been questioned in recent years due to internal scandals, showing that insider status can change over time.
The TaxPayers’ Alliance has close links to the Conservative party.

Outsider groups

Outsider pressure groups are not consulted by the government, do not have direct and regular contact with decision makers and do not operate through influencing those within the political system.
Outsider pressure groups aim to gain the support of public opinion.
Outsider pressure groups undertake methods of influencing policy which involve working ‘outside’ the political system.
"Potential" insiders may aim to work inside the political system.

Examples of outsider groups

Fathers4Justice campaign for fathers to have equal rights after separation.
The Occupy Movement is now less active, but remains a useful example of anti-capitalist protest and inequality campaigning.
Plane Stupid is a pressure group against the expansion of UK airports.
- Amnesty International is an example of a potential insider group, as it sometimes works with governments but also campaigns publicly.

Sectional and promotional groups

Groups may target issues in different ways. Sectional groups focus on the interests of a particular section of society, whereas promotional groups focus on specific causes or issues.

Sectional groups

Sectional groups represent a specific section of society.
Sectional groups do not campaign for broader issues.
Sectional groups are concerned with protecting and advancing the interests of their members.

Examples of sectional groups

The House Builders Federation represents the voice of the house building industry
The British Medical Association represents doctors in the UK, with over 190,000 members.

Promotional groups

Promotional or Cause groups have a single issue which they are concerned with promoting.
Promotional groups promote ideas that don’t directly benefit their members but which they believe will benefit the public in general.
Promotional groups are more inclusive because they aim to create a large membership base.

Examples of promotional groups

Make Votes Matter campaigns for proportional representation through lobbying and public support.
Take Back Power uses protest to highlight inequality and demand economic reform.
Just Stop Oil uses disruptive protest to push climate action and influence debate.
Greenpeace wishes to end the destruction of the environment.