POLITICAL INTEREST GROUP:An Application

POLITICAL INTEREST GROUPS: SURFRIDER FOUNDATION

This research examines the Surfrider Foundation within the context of political interest group theory. The Surfrider Foundation was organized to combat the actions of industrial firms that threatened the quality of ocean waters as such quality affects the activities of surfers (Capellaro, 1991, p. 15). This rather narrow focus was subsequently expanded to the pursuit of broader-based water quality protection objectives (Wexler, 1992, pp. 50-51).

This examination begins with a review of political interest group theory. Approaches to environmental protection are then discussed. Lastly, the organization and functioning of the Surfrider Foundation and an environmental protection organization is assessed within the context of political interest group theory .

Conceptually, public interest objectives tend to be perceived as the advocacy of a social cause, such as human rights or the welfare of children or the protection of the physical environment (Becton, 1991, pp. 58-62). Public interest objectives are by an large manifestations of the pursuit of social causes. The very term public interest tends to create misconceptions of public understanding related to the justness or desirability of the causes pursued and the motivations of the people pursuing those causes. One case in point with respect to the justness or desirability is the Children's Defense Fund (CDF). Promoting the p

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