Rational Choice Theory Introduction 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. That is, people make rational choices based on their goals, and those choices govern their behavior. Some sociologists use rational choice theory to explain social change. According to them, social change occurs because individuals have made rational choices. Contd… For example, suppose many people begin to conserve more energy, lowering thermostats and driving less. An explanation for this social change is that individual people have decided that conserving energy will help them achieve their goals (for example, save money and live more healthfully) and cause little inconvenience. Critics argue people do not always act on the basis of cost-benefit analyses. Assumptions Humans are purposive and goal oriented. Humans have sets of hierarchically ordered preferences, or utilities. In choosing lines of behavior, humans make rational calculations with respect to: the utility of alternative lines of conduct with reference to the preference hierarchy the costs of each alternative in terms of utilities foregone the best way to maximize utility. Contd… Emergent social phenomena -- social structures, collective decisions, and collective behavior -- are ultimately the result of rational choices made by utility-maximizing individuals. Emergent social phenomena that arise from rational choices constitute a set of parameters for subsequent rational choices of individuals in the sense that they determine: the distribution of resources among individuals the distribution of opportunities for various lines of behavior the distribution and nature of norms and obligations in a situation. Contd… Attempts to explain all (conforming and deviant) social phenomenon in terms of how self-interested individuals make choices under the influence of their preferences. It treats social exchange as similar to economic exchange where all parties try to maximize their advantage or gain, and to minimize their disadvantage or loss. RCT's basic premises 1. Human beings base their behavior on rational calculations, 2. They act with rationality when making choices, 3. Their choices are aimed at optimization of their pleasure or profit. RCT, however, cannot explain the existence of certain social phenomenon such as altruism, reciprocity, and trust, and why individuals voluntarily join associations and groups where collective and not individual benefits are pursued. STRENGTHS Comprehensive rationality holds great appeal as a model of choice over other models. The Approach lays out a logical and deliberative framework for planning practice marking one of its core strengths.(Hudson,1979). These include identifying a particular problem, setting goals, articulating aims and objectives, predicting and projecting outcomes, testing and implementing plans of action. (Alexander, 1986, Branch 1975) in Raine 2005. The model also considers a wide range of alternatives and ensures that only the best plan of action is chosen and implemented. CRITISISM It is naive to assume a stable and widely accepted values to structure goal setting. It is difficult to have each person agree on common goals as each and every person perceives issues differently and have different interests. Incorporating all this differences would pose a big challenge to the planners. More over not everyone can, and should, accept and adopt one form of universal values and beliefs. Contd… Human beings cannot comprehend everything nor can they even fully comprehend one planning aspect. Concerning the need to develop alternative approaches, critics censor comprehensive rationality. The nature of the problems and the complexity of the environment would generate an unmanageable number of alternatives to consider. It is important to note that all activities directed towards allocation and reallocation of the scarce resources is essentially political. Rational decision making model tend to ignore this dimension of social planning. CONCLUSION Despite the criticism levelled against rational comprehensive approach to planning, the approach has taken root in most countries as the paradigm of choice and is the most utilised approach in decision – making. For it has the goal of maximising efficiency by picking the best alternative based on specific criteria and also provides a structured way to address a problem and arrive at a solution. However in order to realise total success it is important to incorporate political interactions and public participation in the planning and decision making process. REFERENCE Raine. M Approaches to participation in Urban Planning Theories ,2005 http://0125.myteran.ir/portals/0102/documents/App Marios ,Camhis Planning Theory and Philosopy 1979 Tavistock Publications Ltd,USA Barclay.M.Hudson Comparison of Current Planning Theories; Counterparts and Contradictions 1979 Retrieved on 24th oct 2012 from http://classweb.gmu.edu/erodger1/prls531/Hudson.pdf
