Here's an article to wake u up
Three arguments about rational choice theory in sociology
Three arguments
This essay will present three arguments:
1. That rational choice models are valuable in sociology because
they provide a "rule of thumb" about how an action is chosen (a
mechanism). Though, rational choice models are limited because they
take many factors, such as preferences, as given. So, to explain
preferences one must use other models.
2. That rational choice models are useful in explaining social
exchange in the sense that the choice of action in an interactive
situation is often governed by attempted maximization according to
aims. However, once again it only models the mechanism taking
certain factors as external (such as aims and the meaning of an
action). So, once again, other theories are needed to explain the
aims and meanings that govern the situation (such as Symbolic
Interactionism).
3. That rational choice models very good at explaining how the
problem of collective action may exist and be solved.
The value of rational choice models
Aim of sociology: Liberate or Explain
The value of a model depends on what one wants the model to do.
This creates a problem because people with different conceptions
about the aim of sociology would judge the value of models
differently. For example, Jon Elster believes that the ultimate aim
of sociology is to increase freedom in society. With this aim
rational choice models are very valuable because they focus on
intentional choice between alternatives. This implies that being
conscious of the alternatives increases freedom. However, the
people who argue that the aim of sociology is to describe how
society works (i.e. maximise the explanatory power) would put
larger emphasis on how choice is governed by internalised norms,
thus leaving individuals few or no alternatives. On this view a
rational choice model would be of less value since it does not
account for the formation of preferences (which could be governed
by a dominant ideology). So, the first point is that the value of
any model, including rational choice, depends on the aim of the
model.
