Rational Choice and Politics

Stephen Parsons

• Publisher: Continuum
• Year: 2005
• Print ISBN: 9780826477224
• eBook ISBN: 9781441191175
• Edition: 1
• Topic: Politics & International Relations
• Subtopic: Political History & Theory
• Index: Politics & International Relations

Rational Choice Theory claims to be able to explain how all individuals make not just some of their choices, but all of their choices, all of the time. According to the theory, there is no difference in principle between choosing whether to buy apples rather than bananas or choosing whether to join a political revolution instead of staying at home and watching television. Given these claims to universal applicability, it is perhaps not surprising to find that over the last three or four decades Rational Choice Theory has become increasingly influential as a means of providing explanations in politics. The textbook introduces the premises of Rational Choice Theory and illustrates how this theory can be applied to political studies. The book concludes with an assessment of the usefulness of the model in the light of the problems highlighted. -"Parson's book provides a lucid presentation and a cogent critique of Rational Choice Theory in economics and politics."
Professor Steve Pressman, Department of Economics and Finance, Monmouth University, USA

Table of contents

• Cover
• Contents
• Introduction
• 1. An Introduction to Rational Choice Theory
• 2. Rational Choice Models in Politics: I
• 3. Further Assumptions, Issues and Models
• 4. Rational Choice Models in Politics: II
• 5. Rational Choice and Politics: Empirical Evidence and Norms
• 6. Rational Choice Theory: a Science of Politics?
• Conclusion
• Bibliography
• Index