Old friends and new acquaintances: Developments in the Danish interest group population

Abstract

Interest groups can contribute to a well-functioning democracy as they ensure diversity in the chorus of voices in the political system. Is there more diversity in the Danish interest group population today than earlier? Four different societal developments: new political values, demographic changes, changes in the corporative structures, and the expansion of the welfare state affect how the Danish interest group population has developed in terms of the composition of different group types. There is more diversity in the Danish interest group population today than in the 1970s when economic groups such as unions and business groups were dominant. Today, the population is more balanced between economic groups and civil society groups.