Abstract The development of RationalChoiceTheory 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 rationalchoicetheory, for the fundamental capitalist drive espoused by rationalchoice 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.
Abstract This paper critiques an article by John Scott about RationalChoiceTheory. 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..."
Abstract This paper focuses on New Institutionalism and RationalChoiceTheory 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 aproaches 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."
Abstract The paper provides a brief definition of the rationalchoicetheory 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)."
Abstract This paper explains that the rationalchoicetheory, 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 rationaltheory 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."
Abstract This paper discusses how the benefits of the rationalchoicetheory in the field of political science has been a subject of much debate. The paper further discusses how those who use the rationalchoice 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."
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 rationalchoicetheory 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."
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, rationalchoice. This paper examines RationalChoiceTheory. .
Abstract This paper reviews the concept of rationalchoice 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.
Abstract This paper examines the Public ChoiceTheory and deadweight loss as they apply to Indian economic history.
From the Paper "India's economic history has been a case study for economists of the Public Choice Theory school. The maxim held by all free market economists is that people are motivated mainly be their self-interests. Although people often do act based on their concern for other people the basic motive behind a person's actions is typically a concern for their own self. Public Choice theorists take this self interest and ascribe it to the people in power. Public Choice economists believe that people acting in the political marketplace are ..."
Tags: India, economic history, public choicetheory, deadweight loss
This paper discusses social control theories and rationalchoicetheory and examines whether the juvenile delinquency behavior is due to the environment and circumstances or whether such criminal activities are planned.
Abstract In this article, the writer notes that it is often argued that juveniles are victims of circumstances and bad environments. Further, the writer points out that it is said that they come from "broken homes", "dysfunctional families", and "deteriorated neighborhoods" lacking any "internal community support". The writer discusses the relevance of this theory with the "rational" choicetheory that criminal behavior is a matter of personal choice. The writer examines the issue of whether youths engage in criminal activities due to their dysfunctional environments or whether they thoughtfully plan, organize and rationalize their criminal activity. Social control and rationalchoicetheories are compared to determine whether youths are victims of their environments or they specifically choose criminal activity regardless of their upbringings.
Outline:
Abstract
Introduction
Youth Development
Theories Examined
Social Control Theory RationalChoiceTheory Conclusion
From the Paper " Social control theory can provide explanations to why the majority of incarcerated youths are from poor environments. The theory is criticized for not explaining why juveniles from stable positive environments commit crimes. The concept of white collar criminals is somewhat contrary to social control theories. Youths have risen from poverty, dysfunctional families, poor schooling, deteriorated neighborhoods and criminal peers to become well functioning productive members of society. An unstable difficult environment does not necessarily produce juvenile delinquency as social control theorists would suggest. Numerous negative factors do affect whether a child becomes prone to criminal activity but there are no solid rules or clear explanations."
Abstract This paper examines the etiology of the Andrea Yates child killings (using rationalchoicetheory), the ability of rationalchoicetheory to predict and deter such activities, and what the criminal system should do with such a person. The paper also explores why Andrea Yates should not be let lightly off the hook for her actions. Furthermore, the paper explains why the aforementioned theory is the best one available with regards to explaining her behavior.
From the Paper "The following paper will use Ronald Akers' Rational Choice theory to explain the actions of Andrea Yates, the Texas mother who drowned her five children five years ago. While Akers' theory at first appears to be incongruous with Yates' actions, a legitimate case can be made that she acted rationally and fully aware of what she was doing when she took the lives of her children. In any event, the paper will employ why the incident took place, how the Akers' theory of rational choice can be used to predict and prevent the likelihood of a similar crime occurring in the future, and it will offer suggestions on how the rational choice theory can be used to ensure a proper sentencing and treatment for this individual within the criminal justice system. "
This paper covers some recent research into white-collar crime and ties it in with the rational-choicetheory of crime. This paper focuses more on the causal aspect of white-collar crime than on the outcome aspect of it.
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."
Abstract This paper examines the resurgent rise in social psychology of the questioning of rationalchoice in everyday life. It argues that rationalchoice can explain everyday behaviour only to the extent that the behaviour(s) under consideration can be said to flow from reasoned deliberation. The paper reviews conceptions of rationality; examines the concept of behaviour in and finally discusses the limits to which rationalchoice can be used to explain behaviour in everyday life.
Table of Contents:
Rationality and RationalChoice A Question of Behaviour
Individual Behaviour
Group Behaviour
Spontaneous Behaviour
Premeditated Behaviour
RationalChoices, Everyday
Conclusion
From the Paper "Questions of the extent to which rational choice can explain behaviour in everyday life are arguably ones of relatively recent creation. Aristotle arguably took for granted the fact that rational choices explained actions or behaviour. In book seven of his Nicomachean Ethics he clearly delineates that goals come from character, which he deems the non-rational part of humans, while action and the choices of ways to proceed toward those goals, ones choice of action or behaviour, flow from the intellect - the rational part of individuals. The Enlightenment thinkers developed his position and more than held to his commitment to rationality. The primacy they accorded reason, and humanity's ability to reason, played a great part in the formation of the Enlightenment ideal of rationality."
This paper discuses four topics in criminology: minimum mandatory sentencing (MMS), a security-minded culture, conditional sentencing and the rationalchoicetheory.
Abstract This paper argues that minimum mandatory sentencing (MMS) does not effectively induce incapacitation nor does it really deter perpetrators. The author points out that routine precautions against crime create a security-minded culture of distance meaning that the criminal as a person is demonized and seen as belonging to a very different human category. The paper suggests that the unknowing public of Canada may strongly support the federal government's decision to eliminate conditional sentencing and expand the range of serious crimes to which MMS minimum mandatory sentencing apply; however, they do not understand that comparable adjustments in the United States have not reduced crime rates. The author stresses that rationalchoicetheory does not address individuals who are not truly capable of rationality and thus can not make choices based on sound, rational decision.
Table of Contents
Minimum Mandatory Sentencing (MMS)
A Security-Minded Culture
Conditional Sentence
The RationalChoiceTheory
From the Paper "The St. Lawrence Mental Health facility in Ontario is typical of a number of institutions now serving mentally ill medium and maximum security offenders. There are not enough facilities of the kind to serve the mainly federal offenders who would benefit from transfers allowing them to have comprehensive psychiatric care, towards partial or full recovery, as part of their federal sentences. It is plain that many Western countries are seeing persons who are mentally ill rather lost in the criminal justice system as opposed to hospital or other remedial systems."
