This document defines voluntary associations as groups formed by people with shared interests, and lists examples like churches, political parties, and unions. It describes the functions of voluntary associations as advancing member interests, providing identity, governing social order, pressuring lawmakers, training skills, helping disadvantaged groups, and enabling social change. The document also introduces the "Iron Law of Oligarchy," which is the tendency for organizations to be dominated by small, self-perpetuating elites.

1. VOLUNTARY ASSOCIATION &
The Iron Law of Oligarchy

2. “VOLUNTARY ASSOCIATION”
- A group made up of volunteers who have organized
on the basis of some mutual interest.
Example:
 Churches
 Political Parties
 Pressure Groups
 Leisure Associations or Clubs
 Neighborhood Groups
 Trade Unions
 Professional Associations

3. FUNCTIONS OF VOLUNTARY ASSOCIATIONS
1. To advance the particular interests they represent.
2. To offer people an identity ( sense of purpose in life).
3. To govern and maintain social order.
4. To mediate the government and the individual, by
providing a way in which people can pressure law makers.
5. To train people and organizational skills and help them
climb the occupational ladder.
6. To help disadvantaged groups by bringing them in to
the political mainstream.
7. To pave the way to social change by challenging
society’s definition of “Normal” & Socially acceptable.

4. “THE IRON LAW OF OLIGARCHY”
-It is the tendency of an formal organization to be
dominated by a small, self-perpetuated elite (Michel, 1911).
Oligarchy
- A government by few. Often seen as having self-serving
ends.