Case Studies: Methods and Influence within Pressure Groups (Edexcel A-Level Politics): Revision Notes
1.3.2 Case Studies: Methods and Influence within Pressure Groups
Case Study 1: Greenpeace
Background:
Greenpeace is an international environmental organisation founded in 1971. It focuses on issues such as climate change, deforestation, overfishing, and pollution.
Methods of Influence:
Direct Action:
Example: In 2021, Greenpeace activists boarded a North Sea oil rig to protest against new drilling operations, drawing significant media attention.
- Impact: These high-profile stunts raise public awareness and put pressure on companies and governments to change their policies. Public Campaigns:
Example: The "Save the Arctic" campaign involved a combination of online petitions, celebrity endorsements, and global events.
- Impact: Such campaigns mobilise public support, gather millions of signatures, and increase pressure on policymakers. Scientific Research:
Example: Greenpeace regularly publishes detailed reports on environmental issues, such as the impact of plastic pollution on oceans.
- Impact: These reports provide credible, scientific evidence that informs public debate and influences policy decisions. Legal Action:
Example: In 2019, Greenpeace filed a lawsuit against the Norwegian government for granting new oil drilling licenses in the Arctic, arguing it violated the Paris Agreement.
- Impact: Legal challenges can halt or delay environmentally harmful activities and force governments to reconsider their policies.
Influence:
- Greenpeace has significant global influence due to its international presence and high-profile campaigns. It effectively uses media and public engagement to shape environmental policies and corporate practices. However, its confrontational tactics can sometimes alienate policymakers and segments of the public.
Recent News headline:
September 5th 2024: 16 Greenpeace activists arrested at Unilever HQ blockade as police use new powers under the Public Order Act.
November 9th 2023: Oil giant Shell suing Greenpeace for £1.7m damages
August 7th 2023: Government cuts ties with group after protest at PM's home
Make sure to use recent examples to get top marks in your exams!
Case Study 2: The British Medical Association (BMA)
Background:
The British Medical Association (BMA) is a professional association and registered trade union for doctors in the United Kingdom, founded in 1832. It represents doctors and medical students, providing support, advocacy, and policy input.
Methods of Influence:
Lobbying:
Example: The BMA frequently lobbies the government on issues such as NHS funding, public health policy, and working conditions for doctors.
- Impact: Through direct engagement with policymakers and contributions to parliamentary committees, the BMA influences health policy and legislation. Public Campaigns:
Example: The BMA's "Caring, Supportive, Collaborative" campaign aims to improve working conditions in the NHS and highlight the impact of staff shortages on patient care.
- Impact: These campaigns raise public awareness and build pressure on the government to address issues in the healthcare system. Research and Reports:
Example: The BMA publishes comprehensive reports on various health-related issues, such as the impact of air pollution on health and the need for better mental health services.
- Impact: These reports provide evidence-based recommendations that inform public debate and guide policymakers. Industrial Action:
In June 2024, members of the BMA went on a 5-day strike, to argue for a 35% pay increase.
People across the South East of England were being urged to support NHS services and reminded how to get help as junior doctors begin five days of industrial action in their long-running pay dispute.
Example: In 2016, junior doctors, represented by the BMA, went on strike over new contract terms proposed by the government, which they argued would negatively affect patient safety and doctors' working conditions.
- Impact: Industrial action, while controversial, draws attention to critical issues and can force the government to negotiate and amend policies.
Influence:
- The BMA wields considerable influence due to its professional expertise and status as a key stakeholder in the healthcare sector. Its close relationships with policymakers and ability to mobilise its members ensure that doctors' views are well-represented in health policy. However, its influence can be limited by the political climate and public opinion, particularly when industrial action affects patient care.
- The British Medical Association (BMA) announced the action earlier this month, and surgeries are now taking a variety of steps, with some limiting the number of patients each GP can see to 25 per day. That could reduce the number of available appointments by a third. (August 2024)
Conclusion
Greenpeace and the British Medical Association (BMA) illustrate the diverse methods and varying influence of pressure groups.
Greenpeace uses direct action, public campaigns, scientific research, and legal action to advocate for environmental issues, leveraging public support and media attention.
The BMA employs lobbying, public campaigns, research, and industrial action to influence health policy and advocate for the interests of medical professionals. Both groups demonstrate the powerful role that pressure groups can play in shaping public policy, albeit through different strategies and with varying impacts.