Rational Action Theory for Sociology

1998/06/01 by John H. Goldthorpe · 7 citations
Social Sciences · Economics, Econometrics and Finance · #Qualitative Comparative Analysis Research #Economic Theory and Institutions #Critical Realism in Sociology

paper · doi:10.2307/591308

Abstract

Rational action theory (RAT) is not a highly unified intellectual entity. In the first part of the paper, varieties of RAT are distinguished in terms of three criteria: i.e. according to whether they (i) have strong rather than weak rationality requirements; (ii) focus on situational rather than procedural rationality; (iii) claim to provide a general rather than a special theory of action. In the second part, these same criteria are applied in a consideration of which version of RAT holds out most promise for use in sociology.

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