insider and outsider pressure groups

Insider Groups

Insider groups are seen as having political legitimacy with the government of the day. They should be able to take advantage of regular links access to and consultation with the senior echelons of Government and the Civil Service machinery.

Insider groups are normally content to operate within the existing "rules of the game". They tend to be sectional but some causal groups have achieved a degree of insider status over the last fifteen / twenty years.

Critically, insider groups have policy credibility

Outsider Groups

Outsider groups are largely excluded from political consultation and contact. They may lack resources and "political clout" - implying that they have to work outside the governmental decision-making process. Some groups are ideologically opposed to political system - notably reformist & radical minorities. They choose to exert pressure by by-passing existing political institutions which they regard as lacking legitimacy and credibility.

Insiders and Political Legitimacy What makes an insider group?

Political compatibility with Government

"Credible Threat Power"

Financial wealth (particularly US groups!)

Authority of leading figures

Quality of research and information made available to public policy-makers.Government & Groups often dependent on each other

Mobilisation of support (creating a "critical mass" that demands political action)

Breaking down insider groups - a further distinction

Core insiders

Close relationships with decision-makers over broad range of issues

Specialist insiders

Offer expertise and influence in narrower policy areas

Peripheral insiders

Often consulted but carrying little real political influence and authority

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insider and outsider pressure groups

key terms