Organised interests and social movements

This chapter describes some of the profound changes that have marked the development of organised interests and social movements in Italy since the war. Study of these entities is important, first, because they provide an additional channel, alongside parties and voting, for the transmission of demands from civil society to the state, contributing thereby to the all-important functions of responsiveness and accountability of ruler to ruled. Second, therefore, their activities have significant implications for the quality of democracy to be found in the country concerned. Third, a country’s group politics tell us how securely rooted democracy in the country is and, fourth, it affects the efficiency and effectiveness of governance. I first discuss the nature of relations between the Italian state and the main ‘sectional groups’. I then consider ‘cause groups’, which, in contrast with sectional groups, are concerned with the promotion of broad societal goals, such as the enhancement of civil liberties or the rights of minorities. Finally, I consider the political role of ‘institutional groups’, that is, formal organisations, like universities and churches, not formed for the purposes of influencing public policy but which do in fact do so from time to time.