Schattschneider

Definition

E.E. Schattschneider was a political scientist who argued that interest groups have a significant impact on democracy, emphasizing that organized interests often shape public policy and political outcomes to the detriment of the broader public interest. He is well-known for highlighting the skewed power dynamics in political mobilization and the role of elites in influencing policy debates.

Related terms

Pluralism: A theory in political science that emphasizes how multiple groups within society compete on equal footing for power and resources.

Elite Theory: A perspective suggesting that societies are divided along class lines and that an elite class will rule, directly aligning with Schattschneider's critique of interest group politics.

Interest Groups: Organizations or groups that advocate for specific interests or policies within a political system, aiming to influence public policy and decision-making processes