Introduction I. A Theory of Groups and Organizations A. The purpose of organization B. Public goods and large groups C. The traditional theory of groups D. Small groups E. "Exclusive" and "inclusive" groups F. A taxonomy of groups II. Group Size and Group Behavior A. The coherence and effectiveness of small groups B. Problems of the traditional theories C. Social incentives and rational behavior III. The Labor Union and Economic Freedom A. Coercion in labor unions B. Labor-union growth in theory and practice C. The closed shop and economic freedom in the latent group D. Government intervention and economic freedom in the latent group IV. Orthodox Theories of State and Class A. The economists' theory of the state B. The Marxian theory of state and class C. The logic of the Marxian theory V. Orthodox Theories of Pressure Groups A. The philosophical view of pressure groups B. Institutional economics and the pressure group--John R. Commons C. Modern theories of pressure groups--Bentley, Truman, Latham D. The logic of group theory VI. The "By-Product" and "Special Interest" Theories A. The "by-product" theory of large pressure groups B. Labor lobbies C. Professional lobbies D. The "special interest" theory and business lobbies E. Government promotion of political pressure F. Farm cooperatives and farm lobbies G. Noneconomic lobbies H. The "forgotten groups"--those who suffer in silence Index
There is now a considerable body of literature which attempts to apply economic analysis to political problems. In my opinion, Olson's is one of the most successful and provocative of these attempts Olson's central insight is novel and illuminating to political scientists and he shows that by the use of it he can give familiar facts (about labor unions, farm organizations, and other interest groups) new meaning. I believe that his work is going to force the jettisoning of much of what has been said about interest groups and the revision of the rest. It should also have an influence on the many political scientists who work in the field of organization. -- Edward C. Banfield, Henry Lee Shattuck Professor of Urban Government, Member of the Faculty of Public Administration, Harvard University
The existence of a large group with a common interest does not
automatically give rise to collective action. There must be an
individual incentive to join in or there must be compulsion. This
proposition, together with the notion that small groups are
qualitatively different from large ones, forms the core of this
extremely stimulating book… The range of phenomena it helps to
explain and the number of existing ideas it overthrows are very
considerable. Having set out his theory of groups and
organizations…the author demonstrates its explanatory power by
examining the growth of trade unionism, the concept of economic
freedom, Marx’s class theory, orthodox theories of pressure groups,
special interest groups and, lastly, the unorganized groups.
Economic analysis is blended with political theory and sociology
with great success. The result is an important contribution to
social science.
*The Economist*
Olson’s book is a significant and valuable contribution to the
economist’s attempt to come to grips with organizational
problems.
*American Economic Review*
This superb little volume is worthy of the attention of all social
scientists. It can lead to a healthy and challenging discussion and
perhaps to a reappraisal of pressure groups in American
society.
*Public Opinion Quarterly*
There is now a considerable body of literature which attempts to
apply economic analysis to political problems. In my opinion,
Olson’s is one of the most successful and provocative of these
attempts. Olson’s central insight is novel and illuminating to
political scientists and he shows that by the use of it he can give
familiar facts (about labor unions, farm organizations, and other
interest groups) new meaning. I believe that his work is going to
force the jettisoning of much of what has been said about interest
groups and the revision of the rest. It should also have an
influence on the many political scientists who work in the field of
organization.
*Edward C. Banfield, Henry Lee Shattuck Professor of Urban
Government, Harvard University*
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