ABSTRACT
Although we often read about ‘public opinion’, there is no such thing. There are a great many public opinions because society is divided into a great many social groups, each with its own set of opinions. Opinions can vary according to age, gender, ethnicity, class, education, religion, region, occupation, history, culture, and social and political values. In order to realise its own rather special set of opinions and goals, each group organises itself into voluntary associations that represent its interests and speak for it on matters of political substance. Since there are a huge variety of social groups and interests there is also a huge variety of voluntary organisations and associations, including charities, community associations, social clubs, youth clubs, churches, educational, scientific and cultural associations, sports clubs and occupational groups for businesspeople, trade unionists and professionals.
