Rational Choice Theories

Bibliographic Data

ID22369698
AuthorsB Simpson (0000-0001-9468-157X, University of South Carolina), Ashley Harrell (0000-0003-0924-4979)
Year2018
Pages1-7
Publication date2018-01-09
Peer ReviewedYes
Open AccessYes
TypeOTHER
VenueThe Blackwell Encyclopedia of Sociology (JOURNAL)
PublisherWiley (PUBLISHER • GB)
DOI10.1002/9781405165518.wbeosr023.pub2
OpenAlexW4232710169
ISBN9781405165518
LanguageEN
References cited21

Rational choice theories explain social outcomes via the aggregated actions of rational or purposive actors. The actors are rational in the sense that, given a set of values, beliefs, and preferences, they calculate the relative costs and benefits of alternative actions; from these calculations, they choose the action that maximizes their expected utility. Rational choice models assume that the range of alternative actions available to actors is constrained and influenced by the environment or institutions within which the actors make decisions. They also assume that actors possess complete information about their values, preferences, and the various courses of action available to them. Actors collect, organize, and analyze this information prior to making a decision. Thus, rational choice theories are means‐end theories. That is, they describe the means (or rational calculus) through which actors go about obtaining their desired ends (or values)

Economics · Epistemology · Expected utility hypothesis · Management · Management science · Mathematical economics · Microeconomics · Positive economics · Rational analysis · Rational planning model · Rationality · Social choice theory · Sociology · Computer Science · Culture, Economy, and Development Studies · Economic Theory and Institutions · Engineering · Psychology

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