Different Types of Pressure Groups

Although the pressure groups can be distinguished in a variety of ways (including local/ national / transnational groups and temporary/ permanent groups), the most common distinctions are as follows:

• Interest and cause groups
• Insider and outsider groups

Interest and cause groups

The basic idea about interest and cause groups is as follows:

Interest Groups

• The interest groups, also known as ‘sectional’, ‘protective’ or ‘functional groups’ are those groups which represent a particular section of the society such as workers, employers, consumers, ethnic or religious groups etc.
• The interest groups are primarily concerned to protect or advance the interests of their members. The membership is limited to people in particular occupation, career or economic position. All the members are motivated by material self interest.
• The examples of such interest groups are trade unions, business corporations, trade associations, professional bodies etc. Since they represent a particular section of the society, they are called sectional groups.
• Specific examples are FICCI, ASSOCHAM and India’s all-powerful IT trade association NASSCOM.

Cause Groups

• Cause groups also known as ‘promotional’, ‘attitude’ or ‘issue’ groups. Cause groups are based on shared attitudes or values rather than the common interests of its members. They seek to advance specific cause or causes ranging from charity activities, poverty reduction, education and environment, human rights, peace etc.
• Thus, the cause groups seek to advance particular ideals or principles. The members may be from different sections or with different interests. The members of the cause groups are motivated by moral or altruistic concerns. Specific examples of such groups include the WWF, Amnesty International etc.
• Some pressure groups may be having the features of both interest and cause groups. For example, Association for India’s Development (AID) promotes sustainable, equitable and just development by supporting grassroots organizations in India. At the same time, it also has campaigned for some specific interests such as free Binayak Sen campaign etc.

Difference between interest groups and cause groups

• The interest groups defend interests while the cause groups promote cause
• Interest groups have a closed membership, cause groups have open memberships
• The interest groups are more related to the material concerns of group, cause groups are related to moral concerns for
• Interest groups are for members only, cause groups are for a wider society.

Insider Groups and outsider Groups

The insider groups are those groups which are consulted on a regular basis by government. Thus, they operate ‘inside’ the decision-making process with variety of degree, regularity and level of consultation. Some of these groups become ultra-insider groups consulted at ministerial level in the executive. The outsider groups have no special links to the government. They try to exert influence indirectly via the mass media or through public opinion campaigns. While inside groups have access to policy makers, outside groups have no access. Further, insider groups are often low profile.