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Similar to Rational choice theory for grade 11 humss
Rational choice theory for grade 11 humss
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- 2. 3. RATIONAL CHOICE THEORY Rationalchoice theory is the view that people behave as they do because they believe that performing their chosen actions has more benefits than costs.
- 3. GARY BECKER popularized bya 1992 Nobel Memorial Prize Laureate (Awardee) in Economics Science, Gary Becker, who was one of the first to apply rational actor models more widely.
- 4. RATIONAL CHOICE THEORY •Elster (1989) stated the essence of rational choice theory when he said that “when faced with several courses of action, people usually do what they believe is likely to have the best overall outcome”
- 5. RATIONAL CHOICE THEORY everychoice that is made is completed by first considering the costs, risks and benefits of making that decision. Choices that seem irrational to one person may make perfect sense to another based on the individual’s desires.
- 6. RATIONAL CHOICE THEORY Thistheory states that individuals use their self- interests to make choices that will provide them with the greatest benefit. People weigh their options and make the choice they think will serve them best.
- 7. RATIONAL CHOICE THEORY Howindividuals decide what will serve them best is dependent on personal preferences.
- 8. RATIONAL CHOICE THEORY Forexample, one individual may decide that abstaining from smoking is best for them because they want to protect their health.
- 9. RATIONAL CHOICE THEORY Anotherindividual will decide they want to smoke because it relieves their stress. Although the choices are opposite, both individuals make these choices to get the best result for themselves.
- 10. RATIONAL CHOICE THEORY rationalchoice theory states that there is always a rational justification for behaviors. Individuals try to maximize their rewards because they’re worth the cost.
- 11. ASSUMPTIONS OFTHE RATIONALCHOICE THEORY ✘INDIVIDUALISM ✘ OPTIMALITY ✘ STRUCTURES ✘ RATIONALITY
- 13. INDIVIDUALISM it is individualswho ultimately take actions. Individuals, as actors in the society and everywhere, behave and act always as rational beings, self- calculating, self-interested and self-maximizing, the individual’s social actions are the ultimate source of larger social outcomes.
- 14. OPTIMALITY Individual choose theiractions optimally, given their individual preferences as well as the opportunities or constraints with which the individual faced. Abell (2000) defines optimality as taking place when no other course of social action would be preferred by the individual over the course of action the individual has chosen.
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- 17. OPTIMALITY The rational choicetheory, therefore assumes, according to Abell (2000), that individuals “do the best they can, given their circumstances as they see them”.
- 18. Structures Abell argues thatstructures and norms that dictate a single course of action are merely special cases of rational choice theory. Although these structures may be damaging to the rational choice model, individuals will often find a way to exercise action optimally, hence the rational choice model may not necessarily show harmony, consensus, or equality in courses of action.
- 19. RATIONALITY The most predominantassumption of the rational theory. All individuals, according to this assumption act in ways that would benefit them more; every individual is most like to undertake courses of actions that they perceive to be the best possible option and one that would immensely be to their own advantage.
- 20. ASSUMPTIONS OFTHE RATIONALCHOICE THEORY ✘All actions are rational and are made due to considering costs and rewards. ✘ The reward of a relationship or action must outweigh the cost for the action to be completed. ✘ When the value of the reward diminishes below the value of the costs incurred, the person will stop the action or end the relationship. ✘ Individuals will use the resources at their disposal to optimize their rewards.
- 21. ASSUMPTIONS OFTHE RATIONALCHOICE THEORY ✘Rational choice theory expresses that individuals are in control of their decisions. They don’t make choices because of unconscious drives, tradition or environmental influences. They use rational considerations to weigh consequences and potential benefits.
- 22. Strengths and weaknessesof rational choice theory ✘ Rational choice theory also helps to explain seemingly “irrational” behavior. Because rational choice theory states that all behavior is rational, any type of action can be examined for underlying rational motivations. Rational choice theory can promote inquiry and understanding, helping differing parties, like a client and a therapist, to recognize the other’s rationale.
- 23. Strengths and weaknessesof rational choice theory ✘ A limitation of rational choice theory is that it focuses on individual action. While one could say that individual action drives large social structures, some rational choice theory critics argue the theory is too limited in its explanation.
- 24. Strengths and weaknessesof rational choice theory ✘ Another weakness of rational choice theory is that it doesn’t account for intuitive reasoning or instinct. For decisions that must be made in an instant, such as decisions that influence survival, there may not be time to weigh the costs and benefits.
- 25. Applications of rationalchoice theory Rational choice theory has a wide variety of applications in all types of spheres affecting human populations. ✘ Economics and business: Rational choice theory can explain individual purchasing behaviors. ✘ Politics: Rational choice theory can be used to explain voting behaviors, the actions of politicians and how political issues are handled.
- 26. ASSUMPTIONS OFTHE RATIONALCHOICE THEORY ✘Sociology: Rational choice theory can explain social phenomena. This is because all social change and institutions occur because of individual actions. ✘ Addiction treatment: Rational choice theory can be used to identify addiction motivations and provide substance alternatives that are equally beneficial to patients.
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