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Noneconomic Groups
Noneconomic groups (sometimes called citizens’ groups) are interest groups that fight for causes instead of working for material gain. Unlike economic groups, which work for private goods, noneconomic groups seek public goods (also called collective goods), which benefit everyone in society, not just members of the group. Instead of material incentives, these groups offer their members a variety of selective incentives, including the following benefits:
- Purposive benefits: The emotional and psychological benefits members receive knowing they have contributed to a cause they feel is worthwhile
- Solidarity benefits: The social benefits members receive after meeting new people and friends they worked with to promote the cause
- Informational benefits: The educational benefits members receive after having learned more about the issues that matter to them
There are four main types of noneconomic groups: public interest groups, single-issue groups, ideological groups, and government groups.
Public Interest Groups
Public interest groups claim to work for the good of the whole society, not just one part of it. Not surprisingly, public interest groups often have very different ideas as to how to improve society. Many public interest groups tackle a number of related issues. Greenpeace, for example, works to protect ecosystems around the world and to educate the public about dangers to the environment. The nonpartisan public interest group Democracy 21 seeks to strengthen democracy by lobbying for election and campaign finance reforms.
Single-Issue Groups
Single-issue groups work solely on one specific issue. These groups tend to be very strongly driven, composed of members who are passionately committed to the particular cause. Over the last few decades, the number of single-issue groups has grown greatly; there are now groups covering a broad range of issues. Well-known single-issue groups include the National Rifle Association, which lobbies against gun control legislation, and Operation Rescue, which works to ban abortion.
Ideological Groups
Whereas single-issue groups have a very narrow focus, ideological groups have much broader aims rooted in a strongly held philosophy. Ideological groups often work to change cultural norms, values, and prevailing stereotypes. Conservative ideological groups include the Christian Coalition and the Traditional Values Coalition, whereas liberal ideological groups include the NOW and the National Organization for the Advancement of Colored People.
Government Groups
Government groups represent the interests of other governments. Many cities and state governments, for example, have lobbyists in Washington to act in their interest. Most foreign governments also hire lobbyists to promote their interests in Congress and the White House.
Catchin’ a Ride
People who reap the benefits from public goods without actually contributing to the group that won those goods are known as free riders. The free rider phenomenon is particularly troublesome for noneconomic interest groups, especially ideological interests groups, which have trouble recruiting active members who are willing to contribute time, money, and energy to winning a public good that will benefit everyone.
|
Type of Group |
Example |
|
| Business | National Association of Manufacturers | |
|
Economic | Labor | International Brotherhood of Teamsters |
| Agricultural | American Farm Bureau Federation | |
| Professional Association | American Bar Association | |
| Public Interest | League of Women Voters | |
|
Noneconomic | Single Issue | The Environmental Defense Fund |
| Ideological | Christian Coalition | |
| Government | National League of Cities |
