| The central topic of this project is the effect of citizens' groups on the political participation of their members. This topic is related to two broad bodies of literature: democratic theories regarding participation and theories of interest groups, specifically pluralism. Basic questions are raised in democratic theory about the possibility and desirability of increased political participation. Theories of pluralism rely on the notion of the potential of citizens to be mobilized to act on their interests.; The role of interest groups in increasing interest, skills, and knowledge about politics, as well as actual participation, has been noted in a number of studies. I seek to consider that role, focussing on political associations accessible to ordinary citizens. How much do these groups mobilize their members? What differences arise among the groups in terms of their effect on members' participation and attitudes, and how can these differences be explained?; With these questions in mind, I surveyed and interviewed members and leaders in five citizens' groups in Minnesota: the League of Women Voters, the Berean League, the Sierra Club, Feminists For Life, and the Gray Panthers. Evidence from these surveys and interviews supports the idea that these groups increase interest, participation, and political knowledge and skills. However, only a minority are affected, and differences among groups are significant. Some groups (the League of Women Voters and the Berean League) had a much greater effect on members. Other groups (Feminists For Life and Gray Panthers) tended to attract members who were already relatively active and interested in politics; members in these groups were less affected by membership.; Members who participated actively in their groups were more likely to be mobilized. Also, groups whose leaders stressed internal democracy and citizenship education, groups with federal structures, and groups with diverse issue agendas all tended to involve, and thus mobilize, members more. Furthermore, members who joined for solidaristic or citizenship-enhancing reasons were the most likely to be mobilized. The potential of citizens' groups as mobilizers of the public is limited, but they are important for a significant minority of the public. |
