RATIONAL

CHOICE
THEORY
Are you a
rational
person?
Rationa
l
• comes from the Latin
word rationalis, meaning
reasonable or logical

• having reason or
understanding
Rational Choice Theory
• Rational choice theory is the view that people
behave as they do because they believe that
performing their chosen actions has more
benefits than costs.
• People make rational choices based on their
goals, and those choices govern their behavior
• Sociologists use rational choice theory to
explain social change.
Social change occurs because individuals
have made rational choices

For example, suppose

many people begin to
conserve more
energy, lowering
thermostats and
driving less.
 The Individual
• The individual is considered as the actor making the decisions
• Individuals have all the rational capacity, time and emotional
detachment necessary to choose the best course of action
Basic Principles of Rational Choice Theory
1. Individuals are rational.
–They can think in a logical way

2. Individuals have interests.

–Different people have different interests.

Basic Principles of Rational Choice Theory
3. Individuals make choices.

4.Individuals make choices in a

rational way to increase their
utilities.
–A person does not have full control
over the results of his/her choices
 Under Pressure
Instruction: Read the scenario below and answer the questions that
follow.

You are on your way to an important job interview that is given only
to shortlisted applicants which include you. You have waited long for
this job interview and prepared a lot for it. To miss the interview is to
miss a very good chance at a job opportunity that you have dreamed of
since you were a kid. You are very excited and helpful that you will get
hired.
 Under Pressure
You are on your way to the job interview when
suddenly you receive a call from your younger
sister asking for your help. Your sister seems
confused and sounds unintelligible over the phone,
and you are worried! To add to your dilemma,
your sister is a person with disability (PWD).
 Under Pressure
Question: What will you do?

Would you rush to your sister and forget about the

job interview?

or would you ignore the distress call and proceed

to the interview?
 Under Pressure
Advantage Disadvantage

Rush to your
sister

Proceed to the
interview

Final Choice
WHAT IS THE MOST SIGNIFICANT
LEARNING I HAVE GAINED IN PERSONAL
DEVELOPMENT.

Rubrics:
Content 50%
Mechanics 25%
Depth of Reflection 25%