1.3.2 Case Studies: Methods and Influence within Pressure Groups

Case Study 1: Greenpeace

Background:

Greenpeace is an international environmental organization founded in 1971. It focuses on issues such as climate change, deforestation, overfishing, and pollution.

Methods of Influence:

Direct Action:

• Impact: These high-profile stunts raise public awareness and put pressure on companies and governments to change their policies. Public Campaigns:

• Impact: Such campaigns mobilize public support, gather millions of signatures, and increase pressure on policymakers. Scientific Research:

• Impact: These reports provide credible, scientific evidence that informs public debate and influences policy decisions. Legal Action:

• 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

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:

• Impact: Through direct engagement with policymakers and contributions to parliamentary committees, the BMA influences health policy and legislation. Public Campaigns:

• Impact: These campaigns raise public awareness and build pressure on the government to address issues in the healthcare system. Research and Reports:

• 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.

• 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 mobilize 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.