Question 46-50   
                                                           Rational Choice Theory
      Rational Choice Theory in sociology is the idea that all decisions or actions are fundamentally
rational in that they are based on the concept of reciprocation. What that means is that all behavior.
even when seemingly irrational, is actually calculated in advance. This includes social actions,
corporate actions, and individual actions.
      The basis of the theory is that cach individual will act based on what is rational for him- or
herself. Individuals make decisions based on theit own preferences, which extends from their prior
knowledge and what they know about a current situation. In order to make a decision, people
naturally predict the possible outcomes of their choices and try to decide which choice will give
them the most satisfaction. They consider their own goals and what the best route is to obtaining
those goals. When a person is faced with a choice of two possible jobs, for example, he or she will
consider all of the benefits of each job (salary, location, responsibilities, ctc.) and make a choice
that is rational.
      In a choice between two jobs, the benefits are somewhat obvious. In social situations, however,
the rewards are often less tangible. Perhaps a person would become more popular by making a
particular choice or would be viewed as more courageous. The combination of tangible and
intangible costs and benefits is what makes a decision difficult. Buying an expensive car will have a
significant tangible cost but it may reward the buyer with a high social status and a perceived
respect from others. Stealing from a store might provide a tangible reward but involves the cost of
risk of arrest. It is also important to consider that the same reward has different value to different
people. Social acceptance may mean a lot to one person, while another person views it as nearly
meaningless.
      Opponents of Rational Choice Theory cite social norms and interactions as evidence against it.
People ofien behave in ways that are socially acceptable but may not be in their own best interest.
The same is true for altruism--behavior in which a person puts the interests or safety of others
above his own, such as when someone runs into a burning building to save someone else, perhaps
even a total stranger.
       Proponents of the theory respond by saying that, even in cases of altruism, the rewards are
greater than the costs but may be harder to see. The satisfaction one gains from helping others or
belonging to a particular social group outweighs any personal cost. They point to the custom of
arranged marriages. A young girl may agree to marry a much older man whom she does not love.
There are several costs to her decision, but the rewards of conforming to societal convention or
fulfilling a family duty are greater.
【題組】46. The fundamental idea of the Rational Choice Theory in sociology is the idea that all decisions oractions are______
(A) essentially selfless
(B) based on the best interest of society
(C) fundamentally self-serving
(D) unpredictable