2024 Paper 2

Q. What are pressure groups? Discuss their role in decision-making in democracy.

UPSC Sociology 2024 Paper 2

Model Answer:

Pressure Groups

Pressure groups are organized entities that seek to influence government policies or legislation without directly participating in electoral politics. They play a crucial role in democratic decision-making by representing specific interests and bridging the gap between citizens and policymakers.

In India, pressure groups have become increasingly prominent since economic liberalization in the 1990s. Key types include:

1. Business associations (e.g., FICCI, CII): Lobby for industry-friendly policies
2. Trade unions: Advocate for workers’ rights and labor laws
3. Professional bodies (e.g., Bar Council): Represent specific occupational interests
4. Social movements: Champion causes like environmental protection or women’s rights

Pressure groups contribute to democratic decision-making by:

• Articulating interests: They give voice to specific societal segments, ensuring diverse perspectives are considered in policy formulation.

• Providing expertise: Many groups offer specialized knowledge to policymakers, enhancing the quality of legislation.

• Mobilizing public opinion: Through media campaigns and protests, they shape public discourse on key issues.

• Checks and balances: They act as watchdogs, holding the government accountable for its actions.

However, critics argue that well-funded groups may exert disproportionate influence, potentially undermining democratic equality.

Conclusion: Pressure groups are vital to India’s participatory democracy, but their influence must be balanced to ensure equitable representation of all societal interests.

More Questions:
Sociology OWL for Windows
📚 20 years model answers, NCERT, IGNOU books, topper notes/sheets, strategies, past papers. Offline study powerpack! 🎓💪🔥
UPSC Factory for Windows
Study Offline!! Get Syllabus Tracker, Prelims PYQs (4000+), Mains Model Answers, NCERT Books, Topper Notes & Answer Sheet, Strategies, Past Papers. Click to Download !!
Sociology UPSC app for Windows
Get Model Answers of Last 20 Years, NCERT Books, IGNOU Books, Topper Notes, Topper Answer Sheet, Strategy, Past Paper for Offline Study. Click to Download
Sociology App for UPSC
🏆 Get everything for optional prep in one click! Top resources, 20 years coverage. Install now! 🚀