Testing rational choice theories of institutional change

Bibliographic Data

ID5722244
AuthorsPeter T Leeson (George Mason University, corresponding author), Colin Harris (0009-0000-7640-9193, St. Olaf College)
Year2018
Volume30
Issue4
Pages420-431
Publication date2018-11-01
Open AccessYes
TypeARTICLE
VenueRationality and Society (JOURNAL)
Journal identifiersISSN: 1043-4631 • E-ISSN: 1461-7358
PublisherSAGE Publications Inc (PUBLISHER)
DOI10.1177/1043463118803689
OpenAlexW2894802832
LanguageEN
Citations received3
References cited23

Having empirically identified institutions as critical determinants of socioeconomic outcomes, social scientists are starting to turn their attention to empirically identifying sources of institutional change. Rational choice scholars offer two theories of such change: conflict theory and cooperation theory. We highlight crucial but easily overlooked methodological issues involved in attempting to evaluate these theories empirically. To do so, we critically examine Coleman and Mwangi's study of property evolution among Maasai pastoralists in Kajiado, Kenya. Lessons from our examination, we hope, will help this burgeoning area of research proceed productively

Criminology · Economics · Epistemology · Geography · Institutional change · Maasai · Pastoralism · Political science · Positive economics · Socioeconomic status · Socioeconomics · Sociology · Conservation, Biodiversity, and Resource Management · Land Rights and Reforms · Public Administration · Rangeland Management and Livestock Ecology

Tools

Open DOISci-Hub