6711080
Rational choice theory
- AIMS
- Bring in rigour and
predictive power of
econ into pol
- Produce deductive science
in pol based on series of
simplifying assumptions
- Mathematically model
implications of human
rationality for pol
- Bring in rigour and
predictive power of
econ into pol
- ASSUMPTIONS
- Humans are rational, efficient & utility
maximisers who seek to max own
personal utility. No consideration of
others
- Individual actors are basic units of analysis
- All have clear
hierarchy of
preferences. In
any given context,
only 1 optimal
course of action
- Humans are rational, efficient & utility
maximisers who seek to max own
personal utility. No consideration of
others
- THEMES
- Aggregation of individually rational
behaviour = Collective irrational
outcomes
- Pursuit of self-interest ensures that
officials cannot be trusted to deliver
collective welfare
- Social welfare is compromised by
free-riding and collective action problem.
Without other incentives, free-riding likely
to prevent collective action even when
actors share common collective interest
- Free-riding = Individual
benefits from the collective
action of others. The
rationality of the individual
tells them that their
individual behaviour will not
influence sig. the overall
outcome so can reap benefits
regardless of own
participation.
- Collective action problem =
Conflict between individual's
interest and group's interest
- Free-riding = Individual
benefits from the collective
action of others. The
rationality of the individual
tells them that their
individual behaviour will not
influence sig. the overall
outcome so can reap benefits
regardless of own
participation.
- Aggregation of individually rational
behaviour = Collective irrational
outcomes
- LIMITATIONS
- Ignores
institutional
contexts where
rationality is
exercised
- Doesn't clarify on formation of preferences
- Relies upon theoretical assumptions
- Confines itself to post hoc
(occuring/after event) rationalisation
- Limited view of humans
- Cannot explain
altruism nor
collective rational
behaviour
- Deals poorly with processes of change
- Ignores
institutional
contexts where
rationality is
exercised
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