RATIONAL CHOICE

THEORY
 Rational Choice Theory

• Explains that human action and behavior are

products of choice. Individuals rationalize their
situations by processing between the most
beneficial choice and the lesser individual
cost.
• Rational Choice theory banks on
the key idea that humans are actively calculating the pros
and cons of a particular choice, which affects the type of
behaviors that they exhibit. These choices are often
determined by an individual’s preferences and the extent
by which he or she perceives them as immediate needs
or wants
RATIONAL CHOICE THEORY
Rational Choice Theory states that individuals use
rational calculations to make rational choice and
achieve outcomesthat are aligned with their own
personal objectives. These results are also
associated with an individual’s best, or self-
interests. Using rational choice theory is expected
to result in outcomes that provide people with
the greatest benefit and satisfaction given the
choices available.
Rational Choice Theory assumes that individuals are rational actors using rationalinformation to try to actively maximize their advantage in any
situation and therefore consistently trying to minimize their losses.
Assumptions of Rational Choice Theory

• Individualism – It is individuals who

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.
This theory remains relevant today in providing an
analytical lens for understanding the choices that humans
make, especially with regards to deviant acts. On the
other hand, the theory of Institutionalism allows for a
discourse on how institutions affects the decisions of
humans within a frame of society. Today, this theory
finds its relevance in creating opportunities for growth and
development among institutions whether in the micro or
macro context.
Optimality – Individual choose their actions
optimally, given their individual preferences as well
as the opportunities or constraints with which the
individual faced.
Structures - Structures and norms that dictate a
single course of action are merely special cases of
rational choice theory. In other words, the
range of choices in other circumstances differs from
choices in a strong structural circumstance, where
there may be only one choice.
Self-Regarding Interest – It states that the
actions of the individual are
concerned entirely with his or her own welfare.
Rationality –All individuals 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.
Feminism studies gender and its relation to power;a sociological perspective and a philosophy that aims to promote gender
equality, social justice and women’s rights. Gender Ideology is a social divide that establishes perceived roles for men and
women, and relegating them to specific roles.
COMMON STERIOTYPES:

BOYS GIRLS
• Go to gym • Go to beauty parlor
• Go to office • Sit at home
• Blue • Pink
• Play with ball • Play with doll
GENDER INEQUALITY

• Refers to unequal treatment or perceptions of individuals

based on their gender.
• There is gender inequality when the perceived role of
women subordination to men reflects hiring procedures
and requirements.
• Example: a secretarial post accepting only female
applicants Salaries are also unequal when it comes to
men and women.
The issue of gender equality is one of these
neglected issues that have finally been addressed
by scholars and activists alike. Today, women and
other sectors of
society who are prey to the dissociating and
selective systems instituted by powerful classes are
still fighting for their rights, which allows for the
rebirth of a new form of
feminist movement.
Hermeneutical Phenomenology is a philosophy of and
method for interpreting human experiences as a means
to understand the question of what is to be human.
“People understand new things through the prism of
what they know” summarizes hermeneutic
phenomenology. Hermeneutics phenomenology
highlights the value of experience in the making of
meaning and concepts.
Lastly, the Human-environment systems are the
interdisciplinary approaches which study the complex
interactions among human and environment systems.
This approach provides a diverse source of interplay
between humans and their environment. Today, this
theory remains relevant in addressing environmental
issues that are either created by human populations or
affecting their existence. These are some of the important
theories and approaches in social sciences which will help
you examine the country’s socio-cultural, economic and
political conditions.
LEARNING ACTIVITY 1: ACTIVATE
This activity will dwell on facts pertaining to social science approaches in
general. Identify the following statements whether it is a FACT or BLUFF
and write your answer on the space provided.
________ 1. People are basically good (as opposed to evil or neutral). If left to
a
natural state without external controls, they will seek health and personal
growth while respecting the rights of others to do the same.
________ 2. In attempting to understand human beings, one should stick to
what can
be directly observed and avoid theory or concepts that cannot be seen
or observed. ________
3. According to the Rational Choice Theory, individuals understand their
interests enough to rationally categorize them according to what they
most prefer.
________ 4. Social practices that have been commonly viewed as acceptable and
are
more persistent that codified laws are formal institutions.
________ 5. President Rodrigo Duterte in an institutional actor.
________ 6. Men are better leaders and administrators than women.
________ 7. It is the women’s fault if she is being harassed sexually when she
is wearing skimpy clothing.
________ 8. People understand new things through the prism of what they
know according to the theory of hermeneutic phenomenology.
________ 9. What we do to the environment affects and changes us.
________ 10. Human – environment system holds that society shapes nature
and nature shapes society.