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Rational Choice Theory
Rational Choice Theory
Theory
Rational choice theory in social work is an important concept because it helps
explain how individuals make decisions. According to the definition of rational
choice theory External link , every choice 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.
Those who are studying for a social work degree will learn a variety of evidence-
based theories to help them inform their work. Learning and understanding the
meaning behind rational choice theory and seeing rational choice theory examples
help future social workers characterize, explain and anticipate social outcomes. That
can improve the treatment and services they provide their clients.
How individuals decide what will serve them best is dependent on personal
preferences. For example, one individual may decide that abstaining from smoking
is best for them because they want to protect their health. Another individual 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.
Rational choice theory conflicts with some other theories in social work. For
example, psychodynamic theory states that humans seek gratification due to
unconscious processes. Conversely, rational choice theory states that there is always
a rational justification for behaviors. Individuals try to maximize their rewards
because they’re worth the cost.
Moving from economics to the social sciences, in the 1950s and 1960s, sociologists
George C. Homans, Peter Blau and James Coleman promoted rational choice theory
in relation to social exchange. These social theorists stated that a rational
calculation of an exchange of costs and rewards drives social behavior.
Rational choice theory in social interactions explains why people enter into or end
individual and group relationships.
1. All actions are rational and are made due to considering costs and rewards.
2. The reward of a relationship or action must outweigh the cost for the action
to be completed.
3. When the value of the reward diminishes below the value of the costs
incurred, the person will stop the action or end the relationship.
4. Individuals will use the resources at their disposal to optimize their rewards.
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.
Rational choice theory has a wide variety of applications in all types of spheres
affecting human populations.
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.
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.
Rational choice theory has a wide variety of applications in all types of spheres
affecting human populations.
When there’s a need to describe, predict and explain human behavior, rational
choice theory can be applied.
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.
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.
STUDENT GROUP ACTIVIITY 1:
Mechanics:
INDIVIDUAL ACTIVITY 2:
ESSAY WRITING.
Direction: Write an essay entitled: ON POINT: SCARCITY AND CHOICE. Enumerate situations that can be
a result of scarcity or poverty
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