Discuss the different types of pressure groups. Illustrate with relevant examples.

Answer Details

A pressure group is an organised association of people who share common interests and who seek to influence government policy in their favour without themselves seeking to form the government. Pressure groups may be classified into the following types.

1. Economic or interest (protective) pressure groups: These defend the material and occupational interests of their members. Examples are trade unions such as the Nigeria Labour Congress (NLC), employers' associations such as the Manufacturers Association of Nigeria (MAN), and business groups such as chambers of commerce.
2. Professional pressure groups: These protect the interests and standards of members of a profession. Examples are the Nigerian Bar Association (NBA), the Nigerian Medical Association (NMA) and the Nigeria Union of Teachers (NUT).
3. Promotional or ideological (cause) pressure groups: These promote a particular cause or idea that is not limited to their own members. Examples are human-rights bodies such as the Civil Liberties Organisation, anti-corruption groups, and environmental campaigners.
4. Religious pressure groups: These advance the interests of a religious body. Examples are the Christian Association of Nigeria (CAN) and the Jama'atu Nasril Islam (JNI).
5. Sectional, ethnic or cultural pressure groups: These defend the interests of an ethnic or regional community. Examples are Afenifere, Ohanaeze Ndigbo and the Arewa Consultative Forum.
6. Student and youth pressure groups: These press the interests of students and young people, for example the National Association of Nigerian Students (NANS).

Some writers also distinguish between anomic groups (spontaneous, temporary groups such as riot crowds) and institutional groups (formal bodies such as the army or civil service that press their interests from within government).