Rational Choice Theory and Institutionalism

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Questions and Answers

Which of the following scenarios BEST exemplifies rational choice theory?

  • A student choosing a major based solely on their parent's recommendation.
  • An individual impulsively donating to a cause without researching the organization's effectiveness.
  • A consumer buying a product solely due to its appealing advertisement.
  • A voter deciding between candidates after carefully weighing the pros and cons of each based on their stated policies and perceived competence. (correct)

How does rational choice institutionalism differ from sociological institutionalism?

  • Rational choice institutionalism is concerned with formal institutions, and sociological institutionalism deals with informal ones.
  • Rational choice institutionalism focuses on the cultural and social contexts shaping institutions.
  • Rational choice institutionalism explores historical processes, while sociological institutionalism examines individual behavior.
  • Rational choice institutionalism emphasizes how institutions influence individual behavior, whereas sociological institutionalism looks at the social and cultural dimensions shaping institutions. (correct)

An organization implements a policy that unintentionally benefits one gender more than another. According to feminist theory, what is MOST important to consider when addressing this?

  • Whether the policy aligns with existing legal frameworks and regulations.
  • The historical context of similar policies in other organizations.
  • The cost-benefit ratio of the policy for the organization's overall productivity.
  • How gender intersects with other identities like race, class, and sexuality to affect individuals differently. (correct)

A researcher is using hermeneutical phenomenology to study the experiences of nurses during the COVID-19 pandemic. Which aspect would be the PRIMARY focus of their research?

<p>Exploring the lived experience and interpreted meanings that nurses attribute to their work during the pandemic. (C)</p> Signup and view all the answers

Which situation BEST illustrates a negative feedback loop in a human-environment system?

<p>Overfishing depleting fish populations, prompting stricter fishing regulations that allow the fish population to recover. (C)</p> Signup and view all the answers

A local government is deciding whether to invest in renewable energy or continue using fossil fuels. How would Rational Choice Theory explain their decision-making process?

<p>The government will make decision based on the option that yields the highest perceived net benefit, considering economic, environmental, and political factors. (B)</p> Signup and view all the answers

Which of the following examples illustrates the influence of informal institutions on economic behavior?

<p>A community favoring local businesses over national chains due to strong social ties and traditions. (C)</p> Signup and view all the answers

Which of the following best reflects an intersectional feminist perspective on workplace inequality?

<p>Addressing the unique challenges faced by women of color, LGBTQ+ women, and women with disabilities in career advancement. (D)</p> Signup and view all the answers

A therapist is using hermeneutical phenomenology to understand a patient's experience with chronic pain. Which question would be MOST aligned with this approach?

<p>What does living with chronic pain <em>mean</em> to you, and how does it shape your understanding of yourself and the world? (D)</p> Signup and view all the answers

A city is developing a plan to address urban sprawl and its impact on surrounding ecosystems. Which approach would BEST reflect a human-environment systems perspective?

<p>Adopting an integrated approach that considers the interconnectedness of social, economic, and ecological factors to promote sustainable development. (D)</p> Signup and view all the answers

Flashcards

Rational Choice Theory

Individuals make decisions by maximizing utility based on preferences and available information.

Feminist Theory

Examines inequalities between genders, focusing on patriarchy's impact and the need for gender equity.

Institutionalism

Institutions—formal and informal rules—shape social, political, and economic outcomes.

Human-Environment Systems

Focuses on the relationships between human societies and their natural environments.

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Hermeneutical Phenomenology

Combines phenomenology and hermeneutics to understand lived human experience through interpretation.

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Formal Institutions

Laws, regulations, and organizations like constitutions and governments.

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Informal Institutions

Social norms, traditions, and unwritten rules that guide behavior.

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Liberal Feminism

Focuses on equal rights and opportunities within existing legal and political systems.

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Radical Feminism

Argues that patriarchy is deeply rooted and requires radical societal change.

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Intersectional Feminism

Examines how various aspects of identity like race, class and sexuality, intersect.

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Study Notes

  • Study notes on various theories and systems

Rational Choice Theory

  • Individuals make decisions by maximizing utility based on preferences and available information.
  • Individuals are rational actors with clear preferences who rank their choices.
  • The theory seeks to maximize benefits while minimizing costs.
  • It is used in economics, political science, and sociology to analyze behaviors, decisions, and interactions.
  • The theory is criticized for oversimplifying behavior and ignoring emotions, social influences, and biases.

Institutionalism

  • Institutionalism studies the roles of formal and informal rules, norms, and practices in shaping outcomes.
  • Formal institutions are laws, regulations, and organizations like constitutions and governments.
  • Informal institutions are social norms, traditions, and unwritten rules.
  • Historical institutionalism examines how historical processes shape institutions.
  • Rational choice institutionalism focuses on how institutions influence individual behavior.
  • Sociological institutionalism looks at the social context and cultural dimensions shaping institutions.
  • Institutionalism is used to analyze governance, policy-making, and organizational behavior.

Feminist Theory

  • Feminist Theory examines inequalities between genders, focusing on the impact of patriarchy and the need for gender equity.
  • Liberal Feminism advocates for equal rights and opportunities in legal and political spheres.
  • Radical Feminism argues that patriarchy is deeply embedded in society, requiring radical change.
  • Intersectional Feminism emphasizes how race, class, sexuality, and other identities intersect with gender.
  • Key issues include gender roles, reproductive rights, gender violence, and workplace discrimination.

Hermeneutical Phenomenology

  • Hermeneutical Phenomenology combines phenomenology and hermeneutics to understand human experience.
  • The theory focuses on how individuals perceive and interpret their lived experiences.
  • Understanding human experience requires interpreting the meanings individuals attach to their experiences.
  • It uses qualitative research methods like interviews and reflective analysis to capture the richness of human experiences.
  • Applications can be found in psychology, healthcare, education, and social sciences to explore complex human phenomena.

Human-Environment Systems

  • Human-Environment Systems refers to the interconnected relationships between human societies and their natural environments.
  • Human systems include cultures, economies, and social structures.
  • Environmental systems include ecosystems, biodiversity, and natural resources.
  • Sustainability is the capacity to meet current needs without compromising future generations’ ability to meet theirs.
  • Feedback loops are interactions where changes in either system can influence the other.
  • It is used to address environmental issues like climate change, resource management, and urban planning through an integrated approach.

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