Distributional and Encompassing Coalitions in the Olsonian Theory of Interest Groups: A Strategy-Shift Effect Analysis

This paper shows that, in an Olsonian framework, the activity of encompassing groups respect to distributional coalitions has been understated in the literature. We derive this conclusion analyzing first of all the evolution of the Olsonian thought, then some of the theoretical findings that weaken die extreme dilemmatic vision of a collective action problem. Then we present a simple model of strategy choice, where distributional coalitions temporarily become encompassing groups or are 'locked' in a distributional strategy, unless a change in both the share of total wealth and members' number occurs. Some implications and explanations in terms of political reform success and stickiness follow.