What Are The Arguments Against Rational Choice Theory

Why individuals choose to vote still stands as one of the most perplexing inconsistencies within rational-choice theory. The basic premise of rational-choice theory is that aggregate social behavior results from the behavior of individuals, each of whom make their own decisions. However, why so many people vote is still puzzling as the rational, self-interested voter will normally find that the costs of voting will normally exceed their expected benefits. The expected utility of voting is negligible. Also, there are costs involved, therefore one would draw the conclusion that the rational citizen should abstain from voting. Individuals continue to vote, however, to uphold the values of democracy, fulfil their civic duty, and hold their elected representatives accountable.
The decision to vote or abstain depends on the expected utility of the action. This is a function of the expected benefit received from a preferred candidate being elected (E), the probability that an individual’s vote would be decisive (PI), and the costs attributed to voting (C) (such as seeking …show more content…
This will help eliminate any discrepancies in the data that may arise from only one group attending a seminar. Treatment groups subjected to the short seminars on the paradox of voting will gain an impartial insight on the model to allow them to come to their own conclusions. Each participant will receive the same seminar and the main points that will be covered are the economic notions of rationality and how they are applied to politics, the costs and benefits of voting for an individual and the idea that an individual’s vote will only make the benefits accrue if the vote itself is decisive, and the probability of this is