Rational Choice Theory: Advocacy and CritiqueJames S. Coleman, Thomas J. Farraro Rational Choice Theory is one of the few general theories of how individuals, groups, organizations and social structures behave - its impact on sociological theorizing has been enormous. In this volume, advocates and critics present their views of the values and limitations of rational choice theory. Whether supporter or sceptic, sociologists and other social scientists will find themselves immersed in a creative discussion of the merits and difficulties of the model and its applicability to both macro and micro level social issues. |
Contents
development | 3 |
of Models of Purposive Action in Sociology | 21 |
Advocacy for a theory of exchange and coercion | 49 |
Copyright | |
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aggregate alternatives Amos Tversky analysis assumed Becker bridge assumptions Cambridge chapter cognitive Coleman collective complex concept constraints core theory decision decreasing abstraction economic approach edited effects Elster emotions empirical enforcement example exchange exists expected utility theory explain explanatory external frame global order goals groups Hannan Hare Krishna Hechter heuristic ical important individual action influence interests ISKCON issue Kahneman level of aspiration Lindenberg macro level macrosociological markets method of decreasing Michael Hechter models of purposive modern neoclassical economics nonrational norms and values optimal organizational organizational ecology organizations outcomes parents payoffs persons political possible predict preferences principle problem produce purposive action Rajneesh Rajneeshpuram rational actors rational choice theory reason role sanction situation Social Exchange Theory social norms social order social science social structures Social Theory society Sociological Theory sociologists solidarity strategy theoretical theorists tion Tversky utility function utility maximization values and beliefs Weber Willer York