Abstract
Over the past few decades conflicting theories have emerged in the social sciences with regard to the bases of public opinion. This chapter discusses the phenomenon of the creation of opinions through examining the case of the environment, but the issue is broad. It questions the commonplace Truman (1951)1 assumption that group membership relates to some spontaneous expression of opinion, or defence or promotion of some interest. This was of course the assumption that Olson (1965) and others (e.g. Hardin, 1995, 2003) set out to undermine with the free-rider observation.
This is a preview of subscription content, log in via an institution to check access.
Access this chapter
Tax calculation will be finalised at checkout
Purchases are for personal use only
Preview
Unable to display preview. Download preview PDF.
Author information
Authors and Affiliations
Copyright information
© 2007 Grant Jordan and William A. Maloney
About this chapter
Cite this chapter
Jordan, G., Maloney, W.A. (2007). Making Interests: Creating Members?. In: Democracy and Interest Groups. Palgrave Macmillan, London. https://doi.org/10.1057/9780230223240_3
Download citation
DOI: https://doi.org/10.1057/9780230223240_3
Publisher Name: Palgrave Macmillan, London
Print ISBN: 978-1-349-41453-6
Online ISBN: 978-0-230-22324-0
eBook Packages: Palgrave Political & Intern. Studies CollectionPolitical Science and International Studies (R0)