Explain Why People Join Interest Groups

1. Explain why people join interest groups and how they benefit from them through different incentives.

According to the logic of collective action, if the contribution of an individual will make a difference to the effort, then it is worth it for the individual to join. People need an incentive, material or otherwise to participate. Interest groups use different types of incentives such as solidary incentive, material incentive, and purpose incentives. Solidarity incentives include companionship, a sense of belonging, and the pleasure of associating with others. For example, the national Audubon Society to attract solitary members because of members shared interest of bird watching and learning about new birds. The organization is then able to pursue an active political agenda by working to preserve the environment and protect endangered species.

Other interest groups may offer material incentive to attract members. Material incentives provide a reason or motive having to do with economic benefits or opportunities. AARP provides discounts, insurance plans, and organized travel opportunities for
Purpose incentives offer individuals a reason for supporting or participating in activities of a group that is based on agreement with the goals of a group. Purpose Incentives offer individuals the satisfaction of taking action when the goals of a group reflect their beliefs or principles. Purpose incentives encourage Individuals such as those who join certain groups that focusing on the abortion issue or gun control. These individuals join these groups because they feel strong enough about these issues to support the group’s work with money and time. Members of a group seek out people who share the group’s views and then ask them to join; People join the group and then feel that they are doing something about a cause that is important to