Compiles the major research, literature, and possible future directions of the study of interest groups. Entries detail the main topics of interest group activity in the United States and around the world.
Front Cover.
Half Title Page.
Title Page.
Copyright Page.
Other Frontmatter.
Contents.
Preface.
1: Introduction: The Study of Interest Groups.
2: Special Features of This Book and the Purpose of This Chapter.
3: Defining Interest Group and Related Terms.
4: The Functions of Interest Groups: Their Private Goals and Public Roles.
5: Problems of Studying Interest Groups.
6: Theoretical Approaches in the Study of Interest Groups and the Schools of Focus of Scholars.
7: The Two Major Categories of Subject Matter of Interest Group Studies.
8: Types of Studies and Methods of Study.
9: Guidelines for Using This Book.
10: Sources of Information on Interest Groups in the American Political System: An Overview.
11: Introduction.
12: Popular Writing: Newspapers, Magazines, and Books.
13: Textbooks.
14: Conference Papers, Journal Articles, and Monographs.
15: Major Categories of Research and Their Findings.
16: Primary Sources of Data on Interest Groups.
17: Conclusion: Looking beyond the American Perspective.
18: General Theories of Interest Group Activity: Pluralism, Corporatism, Neo-Marxism, and Other Explanations.
19: Introduction.
20: Pluralism and Its Modifications.
21: Elitism.
22: Corporatism and Neocorporatist Theory.
23: Political Economy Approaches and Explanations.
24: The Responsible or Strong Political Party Model.
25: Statist-Centered Approaches.
26: Neo-Marxist Approaches.
27: The New Institutionalist Perspective on Interest Groups.
28: Interest Groups and the Socioeconomic and Political System.
29: Introduction: A Minimally Investigated Topic.
30: Interest Group System Development and Variation: An Overview.
31: Interest Groups and the Structure of the Political and Governmental System.