Rational choice theory : advocacy and critique

Bibliographic Information

Rational choice theory : advocacy and critique

edited by James S. Coleman, Thomas J. Fararo

(Key issues in sociological theory, 7)

Sage Publications, c1992

  • : pbk

Available at  / 38 libraries

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Includes bibliographical references and index

Description and Table of Contents

Description

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.

Table of Contents

Introduction - James S Coleman and Thomas J Farraro PART ONE: THEMES OF ADVOCACY The Method of Decreasing Abstraction - Siegwart Lindenberg The Role of Models of Purposive Action in Sociology - Margaret Marini Rational Choice as a Principle - David Willer The Case of Elementary Theory The Attainment of Global Order in Heterogeneous Societies - Michael Hechter, Debra Friedman and Satoshi Kanazawa PART TWO: CRITICAL PERSPECTIVES Rationality and Emotion - Thomas J Scheff Homage to Norbert Elias Rationality and Robustness in Multilevel Systems - Michael Hannan Rational Choice Theory - Richard Munch A Critical Assessment of Its Explanatory Power PART THREE: RATIONAL CHOICE: PRO AND CON The Limits of Rational Choice Explanation - James Bonham Is Rational Choice Theory a Rational Choice Theory? - Peter Abell

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