‘Evaluate the factors that can result in some pressure groups being more successful than others’ Discuss (25 Marks)

A pressure group is an organisation that may be causal or sectional whose purpose is to further the interests of a specific section of society or to promote a certain cause; there are many reasons why a pressure group would want to do this.

There are various degrees of success with pressure groups, ranging from amending or passing new laws to gaining public support. One thing that can alter a pressure group's success is whether the group is an insider or outsider group, and its relationship with the government, otherwise known as the pressure groups status. An insider group is one that operates within the political system and which normally has support from MP's, they are normally consulted by the government on matters that may affect the group or its members. Insider groups are usually more professional in their organisation and don’t use methods such as direct action to gain publicity. The British Medical Association is an insider group, recently they were included in discussions over the proposed NHS reforms and as a result of those talks the reforms were altered. Insider groups will have regular contact with members of parliament and other decision makers like civil servants and so have more opportunities to influence them and their policies. Because of this, insider groups generally have more support but tend not to hold such radical ideas.

The membership of a pressure group and the support, especially celebrity support, that it holds can also determine its success. If a pressure group has support from celebrities, it can become well known and also the celebrity can endorse the pressure group, unlike groups that aren’t supported by any celebrity and which rely on other sources to increase the public awareness of the group. To continue,