Rational choice theory : advocacy and critique
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Bibliographic Information
Rational choice theory : advocacy and critique
(Key issues in sociological theory, 7)
Sage Publications, c1992
- : pbk
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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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