Rational Choice Theory

From Geography

This theory assumes that all the social interaction of people is determined by peoples ratio. All social action is fundamentally rational of character and that we all make a calculate what an action would cost our what the benefit from it would be. This theory distinguishes itself from other theories because is denies any other kind of action but the purely rational and calculative (Scott, 2000, p.126).

The rationality described by the Rational Choice Theory is different than used in the philosophical our common way. In this theory rationality is understood as a decision whereby peoples action is determined balancing costs against benefits. The main goal of action is to maximize personal advantage.

Keythinkers

A key figure of developing this theory was George Homans who set up the basis for the exchange theory. Later on, in the 1960´s and 70´s Coleman, Blau and Cooke extended the theory and it´s framework introducing mathematic models of rational action. Rational choice theorists even became more orientated on the mathematical aspect of social action. The theory became closely linked to microeconomics (Scott, 2000, p.127).

References

Scott, J. (2000). Rational Choice Theory. In Browning, G. & Halcli, A., & Webster, F., UNderstanding Contemporary Society: Theories of the Present (126-138). London: SAGE Publications.

Contributors

• Published by Gijs Jansen--GijsJansen 21:36, 20 October 2011 (CEST)
• Links added by --LarsPaardekooper 10:26, 26 October 2012 (CEST)