What are the Roles of What are the Roles of Pressure Groups?Pressure Groups?

Presenter: 张少媚 Number27,class6

The roles of pressure groups The roles of pressure groups in Britain and Chinain Britain and China

In Britain 1 Definition of pressure groups 2 Classification of pressure groups ( two

ways to classify pressure groups) and functions

3 Advantages 4 DisadvantagesThe situation in China and my personal

opinion

In BritainIn Britain Definition of pressure groups Definition of pressure groups

“interest group”,”lobby group”,”protest group”

An organized group that does not put up candidate for election,but seeks to influence government policy or legislation.

Aims:to influence the people who have power to make decisions.

Represent and a variety of interest

Classification of pressure Classification of pressure groupsgroups

One way to classify pressure groups is based on aims.They are promotional groups and sectional groups.

Promotional groups : 1 Aim to promote a particular cause,(also called ‘cause’ gro

ups ) 2Examples:Shelter,CND,Greenpeace 3Suported by everybody,regardless of profession or economic pos

ition 4Some have few members but a great deal of influence (e.g. Liber

ty) some have many members but little influence(e.g.CND)

Sectional group: 1Seek to represent the common interest

of a particular section of society 2membership restricted 3stand to gain personally or

economically 4Examples:Trade Union,NUT,BMA

In “pressure groups,politics and democracy in Britain”(Philip Allan,1989),Wyn Grant,classify pressure groups based on their status and methods.He called them insider groups and outsider groups.

Insider groups: 1have strong links with decision makers an

d are regularly consulted 2considered to be legitimate and have access to

decision-makers(example) 3abide by “the rules of the game” 4government can have a reliable represe

ntative who gathers locals opinions

outsider groups: 1Work outside the governmental

decision making progress 2resort to illegal methods,endangering

their life and disobeying the law

Methods used to draw Methods used to draw attentionattention

Low cost actions Choosing to read/view political items in the media. Talking about political subjects in the family Voting Talking in public places about politics Signing petitions consumer boycott Attending political meetings Financial contribution to party or cause

Strike over pay or working conditions Personally lobbying politicians Taking part in peaceful demonstrations Being active in theorganisation of a party pr

otest group.  High cost actionsViolent protests Trespassing Vandalism

AdvantagesAdvantages---also the important role of ---also the important role of

British politicsBritish politics serve as vital intermediary institutions between

government and society; assist in the dispersal of political power; and provide important counterweights to balance the concentration of power.

enable new concerns and issues to reach the political agenda, thereby facilitating social progress and preventing social stagnation. (e.g. the women’s and environmentalist movements)

increase social cohesion and political stability by providing a ‘safety-valve’ outlet for individual and collective grievances and demands.

assist the surveillance of the government , improve the accountability of decision makers to electorates.

DisadvantagesDisadvantages

improve participation, but in an unequal way Few groups have procedures for consulting

their members may be ignored if they do not confirm with the

ideology or agenda of the decision makers. some groups operate increases social

discontent and political instability by intensifying the sense of social frustration and injustice

The situation in China and my The situation in China and my personal opinionpersonal opinion

Hong Kong: Chinese General Chamber of Commerce (pro-China); Chinese

Manufacturers' Association of Hong Kong; Confederation of Trade Unions (pro-democracy) [LAU Chin-shek, president; LEE Cheuk-yan, general secretary]; Federation of Hong Kong Industries; Federation of Trade Unions (pro-China) [LEE Chark-tim, president]; Hong Kong Alliance in Support of the Patriotic Democratic Movement in China [Szeto WAH, chairman]; Hong Kong and Kowloon Trade Union Council (pro-Taiwan); Hong Kong General Chamber of Commerce; Hong Kong Professional Teachers' Union [CHEUNG Man-kwong, president]; Liberal Democratic Federation [HU Fa-kuang, chairman

Macau:Catholic Church [Domingos LAM, bishop];

Macau Society of Tourism and Entertainment or STDM [Stanley HO, managing director]; Union for Democracy Development [Antonio NG Kuok-cheong, leader]

China:no substantial political opposition groups ex

ist, although the government has identified the Falungong sect and the China Democracy Party as potential rivals

But at the moment or for a long time,it is impossible for China to have pressure groups.As the official in China believe,such organizations as “Four gangs”,Falungong sect have a great bad influence on the Chinese government and its people.They are very sensitive to such organizations,to say nothing of pressure groups.But pressure groups do have its strengths.We should not overemphasize the disadvantages and ignore the advantages.

In my own opinion,pressure In my own opinion,pressure groups should exist in Chinagroups should exist in China

China is trying to build a wealthy,democratic and civilized society,it should listen to different views.

Non-biased decision can be reachedImportant issues be raised and discussed Pressure groups represent

sectional public interest

help to provide checks on the government to see if they are in balance with their ongoing activities

the law can be changed to reflect the views of the public

makes government more efficient, the information and advice provided by groups helps to improve the quality of government policy and legislation.

Some people may doubt violent pressure groups will disturbing balance and order in China.How to

avoid such things happen?

Resort to peaceful protestingHave social cohesionUsing police to maintain the orderStrengthen the publicity of education

Suitable ways to influence the Suitable ways to influence the governmentgovernment

Campaigning and peaceful pressure are the best way to influence the government.

Using media,broadcasting their views on air.collecting a petition to conduct their own research and

surveys then publish the results in newspapers, TV and radio.

conclusionconclusion

China is not as developed as Britain,no matter the level of people’s civilization and social system.But China can do its best to optimize the social system .Pressure groups can exist in China to help to fulfill its people’s wishes and protect their interest.Owing to the situation in our country, China still has a long way to go.

Referencewww.google.comwww.bbc.co.ukwww.yahoo.com<< 英国社会 >>

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