Examples of Rational Choice Theory?

Question

I am writing a paper on the theories and need some examples....anyone?

Answer 1

Teenage Pregnancy. Thomas notes how teenage pregnancy may be a rational choice for poor female teenagers faced with limited economic opportunities. Sociologists may argue that the cult ure of poverty or family breakdown are the explanation for high teenage pregnancy rates. Furstenberg adopts an explanation that combines norms and praxis: "teens drift into childbearing on the current of social customs." While drifting may occur, it is no t clear what the reason might be for this social custom, nor whether the social custom has changed, as he implies. Programs such as Planned Parenthood or those pushing a family values agenda propose quite different solutions, but may argue that it is agai nst the best interests of teenage females to become pregnant.

Answer 2

Wm Glasser, MD, psychiatrist has written Reality Therapy, Choice Therapy etc. Choice Therapy is basically how an individual choses to meet h/her EMOTIONAL NEEDS. These are different from Maslows Needs, which are hierarchial and throughout life. Glasser presents emotional needs as Belonging, Power, Freedom and Fun--that must be met daily almost. If the Family of Origin is "troubled", dysfunctional, and a toddler cannot meet his 4 basic needs DIRECTLY, h/she chooses covert methods of meeting those needs. E.g., when a parent is too busy for the toddler, h/she ofter develops alternate means to get the Belonging needed--pestering to get the parent's attention; getting sick all the time; etc. The toddler zeroes in on "whatever works" in h/her home in order to get those emotional needs met! An angry response with intense eye contact from the mother, becomes the substitute goal to meet Belonging, when the toddler can't get the mother to hold h/her, etc. When a child is forbidden/prevented from meeting the normal Autonomy devlopment of some Power, then as an adult, can develop into excessive behavior giving a sense of power. Etc. Too much to go into ---this is the only theoretical system that I'm familiar enough to comment.

Answer 3

I need some clarification also. Whats the connection between rational choice theory and a realtor suggesting to accept a lower offer? is it because the realtor is wishing to reach his goal which is more money??