A generation ago, scholars saw interest groups as the single most important element in the American political system. Today, political scientists are more likely to see groups as a marginal influence compared to institutions such as Congress, the presidency, and the judiciary. Frank Baumgartner and Beth Leech show that scholars have veered from one extreme to another not because of changes in the political system, but because of changes in political science. They review hundreds of books and articles about interest groups from the 1940s to today; examine the methodological and conceptual problems that have beset the field; and suggest research strategies to return interest-group studies to a position of greater relevance.
The authors begin by explaining how the group approach to politics became dominant forty years ago in reaction to the constitutional-legal approach that preceded it. They show how it fell into decline in the 1970s as scholars ignored the impact of groups on government to focus on more quantifiable but narrower subjects, such as collective-action dilemmas and the dynamics of recruitment. As a result, despite intense research activity, we still know very little about how groups influence day-to-day governing. Baumgartner and Leech argue that scholars need to develop a more coherent set of research questions, focus on large-scale studies, and pay more attention to the context of group behavior. Their book will give new impetus and direction to a field that has been in the academic wilderness too long.
"synopsis" may belong to another edition of this title.
"About this title" may belong to another edition of this title.
Shipping:
FREE
Within U.S.A.
Book Description Condition: New. Book is in NEW condition. 0.55. Seller Inventory # 0691059152-2-1
Book Description Condition: New. New! This book is in the same immaculate condition as when it was published 0.55. Seller Inventory # 353-0691059152-new
Book Description Condition: New. Seller Inventory # 400748-n
Book Description PAP. Condition: New. New Book. Shipped from UK. Established seller since 2000. Seller Inventory # WP-9780691059150
Book Description Soft Cover. Condition: new. Seller Inventory # 9780691059150
Book Description paperback. Condition: New. Language: ENG. Seller Inventory # 9780691059150
Book Description Paperback / softback. Condition: New. New copy - Usually dispatched within 4 working days. Shows that scholars have veered from one extreme to another not because of changes in the political system, but because of changes in political science. This book examines the methodological and conceptual problems that have beset the field; and suggests research strategies to return interest-group studies to a position of greater relevance. Seller Inventory # B9780691059150
Book Description Condition: New. In. Seller Inventory # ria9780691059150_new
Book Description Condition: New. Seller Inventory # 400748-n
Book Description Paperback. Condition: new. Paperback. A generation ago, scholars saw interest groups as the single most important element in the American political system. Today, political scientists are more likely to see groups as a marginal influence compared to institutions such as Congress, the presidency, and the judiciary. Frank Baumgartner and Beth Leech show that scholars have veered from one extreme to another not because of changes in the political system, but because of changes in political science. They review hundreds of books and articles about interest groups from the 1940s to today; examine the methodological and conceptual problems that have beset the field; and suggest research strategies to return interest-group studies to a position of greater relevance. The authors begin by explaining how the group approach to politics became dominant forty years ago in reaction to the constitutional-legal approach that preceded it. They show how it fell into decline in the 1970s as scholars ignored the impact of groups on government to focus on more quantifiable but narrower subjects, such as collective-action dilemmas and the dynamics of recruitment.As a result, despite intense research activity, we still know very little about how groups influence day-to-day governing. Baumgartner and Leech argue that scholars need to develop a more coherent set of research questions, focus on large-scale studies, and pay more attention to the context of group behavior. Their book will give new impetus and direction to a field that has been in the academic wilderness too long. Shows that scholars have veered from one extreme to another not because of changes in the political system, but because of changes in political science. This book examines the methodological and conceptual problems that have beset the field; and suggests research strategies to return interest-group studies to a position of greater relevance. Shipping may be from multiple locations in the US or from the UK, depending on stock availability. Seller Inventory # 9780691059150