Into the public square: Explaining the origins of religious interest groups

Abstract

AbstractIn recent years, many new religious interest groups have entered the political process. After describing the extent of this increase, this article assesses how pluralist and exchange theories can explain the origins of these new groups. Pluralists have stressed that groups form in response to disturbances such as economic distress, new technologies, or unfavorable legislation. Critics of pluralism including exchange theorists point to the presence of many disturbances that did not lead to group formation. Instead, exchange theorists argue that individual entrepreneurs must overcome the obstacles to organization by creating profitable exchanges between leaders and individual members. The action of group leaders—not the disturbing conditions—are central to group formation. Contrary to most recent scholarship, I conclude that the pluralist tradition provides the better explanation.