Rational Choice Theory and Large-Scale Data Analysis

by Blossfeld, Hans-Peter; Prein, Gerald

• ISBN13: 9780813390277
• ISBN10: 0813390273
• Format: Hardcover
• Copyright: 1998-03-01
• Publisher: Westview Pr

Summary

The relationship between rational choice theory and large-scale data analysis has become an important issue for sociologists. Though rational choice theory is well established in both sociology and economics, its influence on quantitative empirical sociology has been surprisingly limited. This book examines why there is hardly a link between the two and discusses how they could be more fruitfully integrated in the future.Contributors to the volume discuss the weaknesses and limitations of rational choice theory and possibilities for linking rational action theory and large-scale data analysis in specific application. The book then outlines the fields of sociological investigation in which the combination of quantitative analysis and large-scale data sets and rational action theories could be necessary or useful and which assumptions have to be made to link the two. Finally, the contributors propose a strategy for a dynamic combination of microsociological action theory and structural analysis on the macrosociological level.

Table of Contents

About the Editors	ix	(1)
About the Contributers	ix	(4)
Preface	xiii
PART ONE Introduction	1	(28)
1 The Relationship Between Rational Choice Theory and Large-Scale Data Analysis--Past Developments and Future Perspectives	3	(26)
Hans-Peter Blossfeld
Gerald Prein
PART TWO Linking Rational Choice Theory and Quantitative Sociology	29	(98)
2 The Quantitative Analysis of Large-Scale Data-Sets and Rational Action Theory: For a Sociological Alliance	31	(23)
John H. Goldthorpe
3 The Influence of Simplification on Explananda: Phenomenon-Centered Versus Choice-Centered Theories in the Social Sciences	54	(16)
Siegwart Lindenberg
4 Rational Choice, Situational Analysis, and Empirical Research	70	(18)
Peter Hedstrom
Richard Swedberg
5 Thresholds and Mechanisms. A Comment on Hedstrom and Swedberg's Chapter	88	(6)
Robert Erikson
6 Why are Bridge Hypotheses Necessary?	94	(18)
Hartmut Esser
7 Bridge Assumptions in Rational Choice Theory: Methodological Problems and Possible Solutions	112	(15)
Udo Kelle
Christian Ludemann
PART THREE Large-Scale Data Sets, Rare Events, and Qualitative Research	127	(42)
8 Causal Analysis and Comparative Research: What Can We Learn from Studies Based on a Small Number of Cases?	129	(17)
Stanley Lieberson
9 Causality, Comparisons and Bad Practices in Empirical Social Research. A Comment on Stanley Lieberson's Chapter	146	(12)
Karl Ulrich Mayer
10 Case-Oriented Research and the Study of Social Action	158	(11)
Charles C. Ragin
PART FOUR Empirical Analyses Using Rational Choice Theory	169	(62)
11 The Need of Data Analysis for Rational Action Theory: Pros and Cons	171	(17)
Anthony Heath
12 Bringing Individuals Back into Sociology. Three Aspects of Cohesion in Dutch Society During the 20th Century	188	(16)
Wout Ultee
13 Can and Should Rational Choice Theory Be Tested by Survey Research? The Example of Explaining Collective Political Action	204	(27)
Karl-Dieter Opp
PART FIVE Rational Choice Theory and Longitudinal Research	231	(48)
14 A Dynamic Integration of Micro- and Macro-Perspectives Using Longitudinal Data and Event History Models	233	(14)
Hans-Peter Blossfeld
15 Modeling Rational Action: A Longitudinal Approach	247	(11)
Gerald Prein
16 Modeling the Dynamics of Micro-Social Change: Results of a Three Wave Intervention of Travel-Mode Choice in a Region	258	(21)
Sebastian Bamberg
Peter Schmidt
PART SIX Future Perspectives	279	(12)
17 The Future of Rational Choice Theory and its Relationships to Quantitative Macro-sociological Research	281	(10)
Michael Hechter
References	291	(20)
Subject Index	311	(6)
Name Index	317