AARP: America's Largest Interest Group and Its Impact
This examination of the history, development, activities, successes, and limitations of the largest membership organization in the country will be of interest to anyone who belongs to or is curious about this sometimes-controversial group.

AARP is one of Washington's most influential interest groups, but just who does it represent? To some, it represents the narrow special interests of older Americans who already consume more than their share of government benefits. To others, its advocacy encompasses everyone, including those with elderly parents and grandparents-and those who will comprise the older generations of the future.

The most comprehensive volume ever written about AARP, the book begins with a chapter on the organization's history, going back to its founding in 1958 and its roots in the National Retired Teachers Association, established in 1947. Readers will learn about AARP's membership and chapter activities, including how it grew to be the largest membership organization in the country. Perhaps even more engrossing is the book's investigation of the nature and extent of AARP's political influence and its positions and priorities as it struggles to represent a large and diverse constituency. Finally, the study discusses AARP's organizational model, which combines political advocacy, business, and charity, and probes the controversies arising from what AARP's critics charge are conflicts of interest.

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AARP: America's Largest Interest Group and Its Impact
This examination of the history, development, activities, successes, and limitations of the largest membership organization in the country will be of interest to anyone who belongs to or is curious about this sometimes-controversial group.

AARP is one of Washington's most influential interest groups, but just who does it represent? To some, it represents the narrow special interests of older Americans who already consume more than their share of government benefits. To others, its advocacy encompasses everyone, including those with elderly parents and grandparents-and those who will comprise the older generations of the future.

The most comprehensive volume ever written about AARP, the book begins with a chapter on the organization's history, going back to its founding in 1958 and its roots in the National Retired Teachers Association, established in 1947. Readers will learn about AARP's membership and chapter activities, including how it grew to be the largest membership organization in the country. Perhaps even more engrossing is the book's investigation of the nature and extent of AARP's political influence and its positions and priorities as it struggles to represent a large and diverse constituency. Finally, the study discusses AARP's organizational model, which combines political advocacy, business, and charity, and probes the controversies arising from what AARP's critics charge are conflicts of interest.

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AARP: America's Largest Interest Group and Its Impact

AARP: America's Largest Interest Group and Its Impact

by Christine L. Day
AARP: America's Largest Interest Group and Its Impact

AARP: America's Largest Interest Group and Its Impact

by Christine L. Day

Hardcover

$65.00 
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Overview

This examination of the history, development, activities, successes, and limitations of the largest membership organization in the country will be of interest to anyone who belongs to or is curious about this sometimes-controversial group.

AARP is one of Washington's most influential interest groups, but just who does it represent? To some, it represents the narrow special interests of older Americans who already consume more than their share of government benefits. To others, its advocacy encompasses everyone, including those with elderly parents and grandparents-and those who will comprise the older generations of the future.

The most comprehensive volume ever written about AARP, the book begins with a chapter on the organization's history, going back to its founding in 1958 and its roots in the National Retired Teachers Association, established in 1947. Readers will learn about AARP's membership and chapter activities, including how it grew to be the largest membership organization in the country. Perhaps even more engrossing is the book's investigation of the nature and extent of AARP's political influence and its positions and priorities as it struggles to represent a large and diverse constituency. Finally, the study discusses AARP's organizational model, which combines political advocacy, business, and charity, and probes the controversies arising from what AARP's critics charge are conflicts of interest.


Product Details

ISBN-13: 9781440834103
Publisher: Bloomsbury Academic
Publication date: 10/19/2017
Series: American Interest Group Politics Series
Pages: 272
Product dimensions: 6.14(w) x 9.21(h) x 0.62(d)

About the Author

Christine L. Day is Professor of Political Science at the University of New Orleans, USA.

Table of Contents

Acknowledgments vii

Chapter 1 Introduction 1

Chapter 2 AARP's History: Growing Up and Branching Out 7

Chapter 3 AARP and Its Members: Maintaining America's Largest Interest Group 31

Chapter 4 A Pragmatic Voice and a Powerful Ally 65

Chapter 5 AARP's Influence: 38 Million Members, Washington Insider Status, and No Campaign Dollars 107

Chapter 6 Business, Advocacy, and Service: Conflict or Convergence? 147

Chapter 7 Conclusion 169

Notes 175

References 223

Index 247

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