Abstract
The development of Rational Choice Theory in the 20th century arose out of economic theory. Through such thinkers as Homans, Blau and Coleman it has emerged as an important school of thought. The theory focuses upon the rational calculations carried out by individuals guided by self-interest. Post-modernism, another contemporary theory, is in many ways in friction with rational choice theory, for the fundamental capitalist drive espoused by rational choice is seen as nothing but a social construct by the post-modern tradition. Alfred Schutz, a twentieth century phenomenologist, reconciles these two strains of thought to some degree by bringing up the notion of individual perception which encompasses both the social constructs and the drive for self-interest.

Tags:rational, choice, theory

Abstract
This paper critiques an article by John Scott about Rational Choice Theory. It gives an overview of the theory and points out some of the areas where people have difficulty with the theory. The paper also looks at how the theory applies to the Criminal Justice System in the U.S.

From the Paper
"John Scott's article on Rational Choice Theory gives a good overview and historical perspective of the theory and how psychologists from differing backgrounds have supported or criticized the theory..."

Tags:rational choice theory, criminal jsutice

Abstract
The paper provides a brief definition of the rational choice theory and argues that the theory, while plausible, is far too laden with masculine, patriarchal assumptions to be an effective explanation for female crime. The paper shows how females have been constrained historically by patriarchal forces and concludes that this is sufficient proof that the theory functions better as an explanation for male criminal behavior than for female criminal behavior.

From the Paper
"Simply put, rational choice theory holds that criminals are rational or "purposive" actors who calculate the relative benefits and costs of committing an act and make a decision which they believe will maximize the utility of their (criminal) actions. According to at least one online source, rational choice theory also posits that the alternatives available to any actor or group of actors is necessarily constrained by the environment and by the institutions within which they make their decisions. In the end, it appears as though rational choice theory posits that criminals select certain victims and/or certain types of crime because they feel the reward is sufficient to justify the risk or the risk is low enough that the "lure" of the reward becomes over-mastering (O'Connor 2005)."

Tags:patriarchy, masculine, gender, class, autonomy, free, choice

Abstract
This paper focuses on New Institutionalism and Rational Choice Theory as applied to public policy-making in the developed and developing world. The United States, the UK, and the Caribbean region are explored when most of the assumptions of the two theories are implemented in the respective policy environments. This paper is excellent for those wanting to understand fully the two approaches and the various ways the behavior of policy factors in society can be explained and appraised. The paper shows how the force of the ideas and arguments behind these theories create opportunities and constraints for public policy-making in both the developed and developing world.

From the Paper
"Central to the existence of any policy-making process must be the role of ideas and arguments. Rational Choice Theory and New Institutionalism both attempt to assess, appraise, and even distinguish between types of decision-making occurring within differing settings, circumstances, situations and among individuals, groups or institutional frameworks as the case may be. Interestingly though paradoxically, ideas and arguments are quite critical to policy-making from the point of view of both New Institutionalism and Rational Choice Theory, despite attempts in certain parts or variations of both Theories, to dismantle or downplay the role of both ideas and arguments, respectively, in selecting policy methods."

Tags:assurance, bureau, bureaucrats, choice, economic, game, ideas

Abstract
This paper explains that the rational choice theory, which defines a rational action as the maximization of causal profit, was essentially developed as an economic theory, but has been extended to other realms as well. The author explains that the theory, which was expanded to the area of sociology by Max Weber, Talcott Parsons, and George Homans, was challenged for its lack of empirical support. The paper concludes that rational theory now has been thoroughly tested empirically and found to be based on a sound premise; the theory may not apply to all people in all situations, but it highlights a strong correlation between rationality and man?s decision making behavior.

From the Paper
"When we are faced with a decision, there are always some options involved. Which path is the correct one, which option would best serve our purpose, which choice appears most suitable are some of the key questions on which we base our decision. Man by nature is interested in maximization of his profits whether professional or personal. No one would deliberately want to take a risk that is bound to go awry. In almost every case, man carefully studies the situation and then chooses the best option available to him. And this is not something limited to money matters but extends itself to almost every area of life including social relationships, religion, politics and other areas."

Tags:maximization, weber, empirical, gaming, decision

Abstract
This paper discusses how the benefits of the rational choice theory in the field of political science has been a subject of much debate. The paper further discusses how those who use the rational choice model in analyzing politics use formal mathematical patterns in order to study their subject.

From the Paper
"Another assumption is that the consensus in British society, and perhaps voter apathy, is an indication of widespread agreement about government and policy. This is not necessarily the case, as consensus could be that the government is not performing well, but that there is no better alternative. Pluralists see two types of constraint on the power of influential groups. One is that of counter-groups, such as the gun lobby and gun control groups in America. The other is that of potential groups, a mass of people unable to organise and mobilise, but which conceivably could, and so are included in policy making (Smith, 1990). Elitists would refute this assumption, claiming that no group can counter an elite, and that a potential elite would either be encompassed by the elite, if possessing the right qualities, or prevented from attaining elite status."

Tags:electorate, workers, Conservative, Labour

Abstract
The paper discusses how William Glasser argues against what he sees are traditional, dictatorial remedies teachers and administrators use to address the problems of student learning in the classroom. Glasser applies his philosophy of psychiatry, known as the rational choice theory to school pedagogy and administration. The paper explains his theory that is designed to empower students, foster creativity amongst students and encourage all students to increase the level of personal investment in the quality of their work. The paper shows how Glasser aims to bring joy back to the classroom through group work and students' responsibility for the performance of other students.

From the Paper
"Glasser's philosophy is designed to empower students, just as his philosophy was originally intended to empower workers in industry and clients in therapy to take responsibility for their own decisions, actions, and learning. His philosophy frees teachers, administrators, and managers from the responsibility of having to bear the responsibility for the quality of the work of their students, and the responsibility of controlling the actions of others an impossible task. Glasser's theory of the innate trustworthiness of individual's natural impulses for self-betterment, and his distrust of hierarchical, standard operating procedures in management reflects a fundamental paradigmatic shift assessing the roots of human unhappiness as well as a lack of productivity."

Tags:education, teachers, students, responsibility, creativity

Abstract
This paper examines the reason why some individuals engage in criminal behavior. Many researchers in recent years have started to focus on the element of choice, rational choice. This paper examines Rational Choice Theory. .

Abstract
This paper discusses how the existing stereotype of a white-collar offender as a high-ranking executive may be flawed. The demographics of white-collar offenders suggest most of them are middle-class white males. It looks at the theories as to why such people would commit these crimes and explains that most theories center on the rational-choice decision making process because of the protracted and diligent nature of white-collar crimes. It further discusses how, within the white-collar inmate community, there also appear to be two separate pathways to white-collar crime: one marked by previous run-ins with the law before turning to white-collar crime, and the other one marked by no run-ins with the law.

From the Paper
"White-collar crime has gained increased notoriety in recent years with the downfall of Enron, WorldCom, and insider trading by Martha Stewart. Despite its increased awareness in the public, its etiology is not well known. One of the main reasons for criminologists' naivete regarding white-collar crime is the lack of scientific research on the topic. The relative lack of data arises from an array of political, sociological, penological, and funding issues. The data that is available to researchers indicates that the existing stereotype of white-collar crime offenders is flawed."

Tags:data, crime, white, male

Abstract
This paper reviews the concept of rational choice which suggests that the individual has the ability to make decisions after contemplation of all areas of concern, and that choice is based on free will. Kant's view in relation to Adam and Eve supports this notion. However, Freud's interpretation of rationality in relation to mankind suggests that natural forces lead man to make decisions and that he is compelled by these forces which involve no rationalization whatsoever. This paper discusses how these contrasting views provide theories on human existence and what leads man to make choices that will affect his life and the lives of others.

Tags:kant, rational, choice