The "L" Word: Nonprofits, Language, and Lobbying

Authors

Jocelyn D. Taliaferro, North Carolina State University
Nicole Ruggiano, Florida International University

Keywords

Lobbying, nonprofit organizations, social construction, policy advocacy

Abstract

Despite the many benefits associated with policy advocacy, many nonprofit organizations do not lobby. Recently, scholars have called attention to the possibility that the vagueness and ambiguity of the term lobbying may hinder policy advocacy activities, though few studies have systematically explored the relationship between nonprofit professionals' perception of this term and political activity. This study explored the social construction of the term "lobbying" by examining nonprofit leaders' beliefs, attitudes, and behaviors surrounding lobbying activities. Participants reported having a strong aversion to the term "lobbying" and preferred alternative language to describe their political activities. Implications for practice and research are discussed.

Recommended Citation

Taliaferro, Jocelyn D. and Ruggiano, Nicole (2013) "The "L" Word: Nonprofits, Language, and Lobbying," The Journal of Sociology & Social Welfare: Vol. 40: Iss. 2, Article 9.
DOI: https://doi.org/10.15453/0191-5096.3737
Available at: https://scholarworks.wmich.edu/jssw/vol40/iss2/9