Lobbying and Society

Lobbying and Society by John C. Scott examines the ambivalent role of lobbying and political interest groups in advanced democracies. While lobbying is often viewed with suspicion, it also serves as a critical avenue for diverse voices in policy debates.

This insightful book provides a fresh sociological understanding of politics and policy. Interest groups play a crucial role in setting political agendas, supporting policymakers, and mobilizing resources around key issues. They enable individuals and organizations to gain advantages in social and economic life. Scott integrates theory and research about interest groups into political sociology, addressing issues of power, inequality, and public policy. His work illustrates the boundaries and challenges of representative democracy through a sociological lens.

Using case studies and data, and organized by themes such as influence, collective action, representation, and inequality, Lobbying and Society is a vital resource for students of policymaking and political sociology.