What are Informal Pressure Groups?

Informal pressure groups of a country are those groups which try to pressurize the political and administrative system of a country to make sure that their interests are promoted and not ignored by the decision making authorities who have the power and resources to bring about the change. These groups are also called civil society organisations.These groups are necessary for a country which is replete with poverty, inequality, social and economic deprivation.

Aspirants would find this topic very helpful in the IAS Exam.

What are Pressure Group Examples?

Pressure Groups can be broadly classified into 4 types which are given below.

1. Institutional Interest Groups – These groups have professionally employed people. For example, the civil services organization of a state. When  they raise protest it would be as per constitutionally valid rules and regulations.
2. The Associational Interest Groups – These are specialised groups formed with the intention of achieving limited goals. Examples would be Trade unions like All India Trade Union Congress (AITUC), Students associations like National Students Union of India (NSUI).
3. Anomic Interest Groups – The activities of these groups could be constitutional or unconstitutional. They may hold signature campaigns, candle light marches, street corner meetings, demonstrations, processions. Unconstitutional means would be holding riots.
4. Non-Associated Interest Groups – These are groups formed on the basis of ethnicity, religion, language, castes etc

What are the Limitations of Pressure Groups?

Some of the limitations of pressure groups are given below

1. They sometimes become tools and serve political interests.
2. Many times caste and religion eclipse the socio-cultural issues.
3. Many pressure groups have short lives due to lack of adequate resources.

What Factors Determine the Effectiveness of Pressure Groups?

Some of the factors which help in sustenance of pressure groups are given below.

1. Leadership
2. Mass media
3. Economic might
4. Ability to mobilise resources
5. Organizational abilities

The above details would help candidates prepare for UPSC 2022.

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