Unorganized Interests: Coalition Politics, Social Media, and Group Influence

• In Event: US Interest Group Tactics, Framing, and Influence

Abstract

Studies of interest group influence typically identify groups by examining lobbying disclosure reports (e.g. Baumgartner and Leech 2001) or through counts of formally organized interests such as membership associations of citizens and activists, industry associations, or large for-profit and non-profit organizations that operate in the pressure system (Salisbury 1985; Lowery, Gray, Anderson, and Newmark 2004; Schlozman 2010). Such work looks at the factors that contribute to group formation and organization (e.g. Olson 1965; Walker 1983) and issues of so-called bias in the system pioneered by Schattschneider (1960). Ultimately, a common underlying aim of such work is to understand the influence of groups in American politics (e.g. Baumgartner et al. 2009).

But the nature of interest group formation and influence has changed in important ways since much of this research has been undertaken. Specifically, with the emergence of smart phone technology and social media on the Internet (e.g. Gurri 2018), the traditional barriers to group formation (e.g. provision of material, solidary, or purposive benefits) have been radically altered -- and diminished. Meanwhile, the means by which group influence is achieved also has new qualities. Rather than the system of formally organized interest groups traditionally studied, informally organized coalitions comprised of like-minded citizens, sometimes allied with traditional interest groups and political parties, are playing an increased role in the system of interest group politics.

This study examines the new landscape of group formation, and revisits Bentley's theory of coalitions (Bentley 1909) as the basis of political power. A new measurement of (disorganized) interest groups is developed and a basis for identifying their influence, beyond the heavenly chorus, is posited.

Author

• Brian Alexander, Washington and Lee University