 | By: Wyn Grant Binding: Paperback Publisher: Palgrave Macmillan ISBN: 0333744853 ISBN-13: 9780333744857 Released: 12 Jan 2000 RRP: Average Rating:  |
From the outset one is forced to ask the question 'is this a mere republication of early work or does it have anything 'fresh' to offer?'. The writings are reminiscent of its predecessor but Grant believes that 'so much as been added & revised as to justify publication as a new book' (pg. xi). This remains open to debate. This does not imply that the book is without its usefulness, on the contrary, a modernized version of excellent literature should not be discouraged. The book offers an insight into the workings of different pressure groups in British democracy & also their significance within the European union. His work takes the reader through a detailed account of the advantages & disadvantages of groups, their role in policy making, their characteristics & so forth.
The book's introduction gives an overview of the existence of pressure groups, probing the question 'do they enhance the democratic process, or undermine it?'. Grants main argument for republication of similar work is the growth of the European Union, therefore, it comes as no surprise that Grant devotes chapters 5 & 6 to the role of pressure groups within the Union. His main concern is with the role of business interests in Europe where the 'political centre of gravity is shifting' (pg80). His key area of thought is focused around business associations & how they are able to influence the policy making institutions of Brussels. His reason for concentrating on Big business interests rests in Grant's belief that other pressure groups have failed to make a comparable impact. Grant also writes a lot on the avenues available for exerting influence, this is done by highlighting alll the potential institutions & their approachability. The 'European question' is given so much attention because of the decline in the national route.
There is a return to the basic fundamentals of pressure groups, such as the types of groups that exist. The distinction between sectional & cause groups is recognized in a generalized categorization of their existence. It is of great pleasure to read on & see subdivisions of these groups. Since the 1970's Grant has written about the insider/outsider typology of Pressure groups. Earlier on in the book Grant takes criticisms of his typology & refutes the arguments. He is able to uphold valid arguments & admittedly states 'the insider/outsider distinction involves simplification' (pg29). There is reference to the beliefs & ideas of pressure groups. Grant differentiates between deep core beliefs, that are resistant to change, & secondary beliefs that can be more easily adjusted. The much debated arguments surrounding pluralism & corporatism are analysed in quite extensive detail. This fits in nicely with the Thatcher era where the power of interest groups were fundamentallly diminished. A close look at where the two major parties stand on pressure group activity highlights a consensus in favour of further group involvement. Given that the bulk of pressure group activity is extremely dull & overwhelmingly mundane, it comes as no surprise to see plenty of literature on their involvement with the executive. The executive branch of government is seen as the most effective channel for pressure groups. Even though many pressure groups often consult more than one department it is usuallly the norm for them to concentrate on the department that is specific to their interests. Whitehalll might be the primary target of many pressure groups but it must be noted that much activity expands beyond the civil service. Parliament is continuously used to pursue letter writing campaigns, which may not be the strongest form of pressure, but it does put an issue on the political agenda. Private members bills can act as an excellent instrument for pressure groups. Grant believes that the House of Lords is being approached more by pressure groups, this is mainly used to add technical amendments to Bills. A brief mention of the sleaze attached to lobbyists concerning 'cash for questions' is touched on without too much unnecessary detail. Finallly Grant looks at the growth of action within the courts & Local governments where interest groups are finding the advantages of different channels for pursuing their goals.
Even though most of pressure group work is very boring & routine, direct action & the media are of great significance. Interest groups realise they can use the media to move an item up the political agenda. The growth of the Internet has also meant technological advancements for pressure groups. There is, & has been for many year, a protest culture in Britain. Grant notes that not alll direct action is synonymous with illegality. Grant argues that blockades, occupations & disruptions are reallly at the heart of modern direct action. The
effectiveness of pressure groups are analyzed using a typology introduced by Whiteley & Winyard. A thorough discussion is given to resources, strategy, external environment etc.
Throughout the book Grant has attempted to answer the question 'do pressure groups contribute, or detract from, democracy?'. His extensive use of examples & the detailed work by other academics highlights the amount of effort dedicated to proving that interest groups do enhance democracy. Overalll this book provides comprehensive coverage of alll aspects of pressure group politics in the UK & of the increasingly important EU dimension.
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