Mobilization of Bias

Eric Elmer Schattsneider introduced the idea of the mobilization of bias into considerations of the power structure of society. Pluralist views hold that different groups in society can have access to the power holders through the interest-group or pressure-group system. Schattsneider pointed out in his book The Semi-Sovereign People that access is heavily skewed because “organization is the mobilization of bias.” He further suggested that some issues are organized into politics while others are organized out. Many issues that come before political elites, both elected and nonelected bureaucrats, are brought to their attention by organized interest groups. Often the public will not even be aware that these issues are being discussed within a parliament or legislature—they might be details not brought up by the news media, for example. Even more pertinently, the public will not be aware of issues being discussed within the civil service. Such issues might be concerned with the details of some legislative proposal or some regulatory reform. Nevertheless, such details can have a big effect upon the regulated industry and the public. Without knowledge [Page 424]of such discussions it is not possible for the public to organize to have its say. For that reason many firms, industries, and concerned organized interests employ professional lobbyists, one of whose functions is to listen for discussions that might affect their clients. In that way lobbyists not only lobby on behalf of clients but also bring issues to their attention.

Issues can also get organized out of politics. For example, an organization might bring the attention of lawmakers to possible problems that some proposed legislation might cause. Risk-averse politicians might not want to ruffle the feathers of important supporters and hence would prefer that the issue not be explored in public. Thus the discussion is not even aired in public to elicit different views.

The key factor in the mobilization of bias is organization. It is not only the case that some issues are organized out, but also that some issues are not organized in. If affected interests are not organized sufficiently to bring their concerns or dissatisfaction to the attention of politicians, then the state will not attempt to deal with them. Many conflicts that led to violence or other unrest have arisen from issues where the state was not aware of the strength of feeling, even if it knew of some disquiet. The degree of mobilization between different groups in society varies a great deal. Collective action problems vary in strength across groups, but the greatest problems emerge for the poorest and most diffuse groups, who are the least organized. Industry, being wealthier and more concentrated in its interests, tends to be the best organized, though in major nations many advocacy groups are now well organized in response to business organization.