Question

1. Social exchange theory and rational choice theory have been widely critiqued by many sociologists, and some of these criticisms are listed in the Collins Dictionary of Sociology entries that you are to read this week. Choose two of these criticisms, and expound on what you believe the author means by this. Do you believe that these criticisms invalidate social exchange and rational choice theories? Why or why not?

Answer 1

STEP-1

Collin's dictionary critisized that rational choice theory always not significant . Because in some cases , always adequate information is not available . Therefore , people is not able to take rational decison on the basis of ratioanl choice theory . Rational choice theory may be imapcted by different factor like individual as well as environmental factor . Individual factor like impulsivity and morality where environmental factor like sub cultural norms etc .

Social exchange theory talks about cost - benefits analysis of Human behaviour. This theory stated that human behaviour only individual needs oriented . People engaged social acts only because fullfill personal needs . But it is not true . There is mutual needs and many individuals have interaction with other without having interest or needs or having any specific goal . For example , family. Besides human behaviour always not satisfaction oriented rather also focused on needs of other people .

STEP-2

It is true that rational choice theory and social exchange theory have immense contribution in social psychology and shape huaman behaviour in desirable manner . There is also few criticism regarding this theory but it doesn't mean this critism leads to invalidated these theory . Because.on the basis of indepth study it can concluded that people have enough potential to take decision with the helps of rational choice theory whatever information they have and different alternative prospective with enlightenment of rational choice theory . Similarly there is another theory is social exchange theory should not invalidated with this critism . But it's possible to modify this theory and gives new prosprective of huaman behaviour which will talks about mutual cooperation and mutual understanding .