Introduction to Rational Choice Theory in Social
Work
Rational choice theory in social work is an important concept because it helps explain how
individuals make decisions. According to the definition of rational choice theory External
link , every choice that is made is completed by first considering the costs, risks and benefits
of making that decision. Choices that seem irrational to one person may make perfect sense
to another based on the individual’s desires.
Those who are studying for a social work degree will learn a variety of evidence-based
theories to help them inform their work. Learning and understanding the meaning behind
rational choice theory and seeing rational choice theory examples help future social
workers characterize, explain and anticipate social outcomes. That can improve the treatment
and services they provide their clients.
What is Rational Choice Theory?
Rational choice theory can apply to a variety of areas, including economics, psychology and
philosophy. This theory states that individuals use their self-interests to make choices that
will provide them with the greatest benefit. People weigh their options and make the choice
they think will serve them best.
How individuals decide what will serve them best is dependent on personal preferences. For
example, one individual may decide that abstaining from smoking is best for them because
they want to protect their health. Another individual will decide they want to smoke because
it relieves their stress. Although the choices are opposite, both individuals make these
choices to get the best result for themselves.
Rational choice theory conflicts with some other theories in social work. For example,
psychodynamic theory states that humans seek gratification due to unconscious processes.
Conversely, rational choice theory states that there is always a rational justification for
behaviors. Individuals try to maximize their rewards because they’re worth the cost.
History of rational choice theory
Rational choice theory origins date back centuries. Philosopher Adam Smith is considered
the originator of rational choice theory External link . His essay “An Inquiry into the Nature
and Causes of the Wealth of Nations,” from 1776, proposed human nature’s tendency toward
self-interest resulted in prosperity. Smith’s term “the invisible hand” referred to unseen
forces driving the free market.
Smith used the work of philosopher Thomas Hobbes’ “Leviathan” (1651) to influence his
own work. In “Leviathan,” Hobbes explained that political institution functioning was a
result of individual choices. Philosopher Niccolò Machiavelli, who wrote “The Prince” in
1513, also introduced ideas related to rational choice theory in his treatise.
Moving from economics to the social sciences, in the 1950s and 1960s, sociologists George
C. Homans, Peter Blau and James Coleman promoted rational choice theory in relation to
social exchange. These social theorists stated that a rational calculation of an exchange of
costs and rewards drives social behavior.
Rational choice theory in social interactions explains why people enter into or end individual
and group relationships.
Assumptions of rational choice theory
In order to fit the criteria for rational choice theory, the following assumptions are made.
1. All actions are rational and are made due to considering costs and rewards.
2. The reward of a relationship or action must outweigh the cost for the action to be
completed.
3. When the value of the reward diminishes below the value of the costs incurred, the
person will stop the action or end the relationship.
4. Individuals will use the resources at their disposal to optimize their rewards.
Rational choice theory expresses that individuals are in control of their decisions. They don’t
make choices because of unconscious drives, tradition or environmental influences. They use
rational considerations to weigh consequences and potential benefits.
Applications of rational choice theory
Rational choice theory has a wide variety of applications in all types of spheres affecting
human populations.
Economics and business: Rational choice theory can explain individual purchasing
behaviors.
Politics: Rational choice theory can be used to explain voting behaviors, the actions of
politicians and how political issues are handled.
Sociology: Rational choice theory can explain social phenomena. This is because all
social change and institutions occur because of individual actions.
Addiction treatment: Rational choice theory can be used to identify addiction
motivations and provide substance alternatives that are equally beneficial to patients.
When there’s a need to describe, predict and explain human behavior, rational choice theory
can be applied.
Strengths and weaknesses of rational choice theory
Rational choice theory can be helpful in understanding individual and collective behaviors. It
helps to pinpoint why people, groups and society as a whole move toward certain choices,
based on specific costs and rewards.
Rational choice theory also helps to explain seemingly “irrational” behavior. Because
rational choice theory states that all behavior is rational, any type of action can be examined
for underlying rational motivations. Rational choice theory can promote inquiry and
understanding, helping differing parties, like a client and a therapist, to recognize the other’s
rationale.
A limitation of rational choice theory is that it focuses on individual action. While one could
say that individual action drives large social structures, some rational choice theory critics
argue the theory is too limited in its explanation.
Another weakness of rational choice theory is that it doesn’t account for intuitive reasoning
or instinct. For decisions that must be made in an instant, such as decisions that influence
survival, there may not be time to weigh the costs and benefits.
How Does Rational Choice Theory Apply to Social Work?
In social work, rational choice theory helps social workers understand the motivations of
those they work with. Using rational choice theory, social workers can uncover why their
clients do certain things and have gotten into certain situations, even when they seem
unfavorable.
Rational choice theory can also help social workers when they’re designing interventions and
treatments. Knowing that their clients will make decisions based on what benefits them,
social workers can use that understanding to guide their interactions with and
recommendations for their clients.
Social workers can use rational choice theory to:
Investigate the meaning behind their clients’ relationships, including with friend
groups and romantic partners, including when those relationships are abusive or seem
toxic.
Examine why their clients behave in certain ways, including engaging in self-
destructive behaviors and addictions.
Understand how family dynamics and social interactions affect their clients.
Create a better relationship between themselves and their clients, by positioning their
work in a way that benefits the client.
Promote interventions and create treatments that their clients will want to engage in
because they see the benefits.
Position resources so that clients understand how those resources will benefit them.
To optimize the use of rational choice theory in social work, social workers will need to
create a thorough assessment that takes into consideration the details of the motivations
behind their clients’ behavior.
Criticism of Rational Choice Theory
One potential issue with rational choice theory (PDF, 287 KB) External link is that it doesn’t
account for non-self-serving behavior, such as philanthropy or helping others when there’s a
cost but no reward to the individual. Rational choice theory also doesn’t take into
consideration how ethics and values might influence decisions.
Another criticism is that rational choice theory doesn’t comment on the influence of social
norms. An argument against rational choice theory is that most people follow social norms,
even when they’re not benefitting from adhering to them.
Also, some critics say that rational choice theory doesn’t account for choices that are made
due to situational factors or that are context-dependent. Factors like emotional state, social
context, environmental factors and the way choices are posed to the individual may result in
decisions that don’t align with rational choice theory assumptions.
Some critics also state that rational choice theory doesn’t account for individuals who make
decisions based on fixed learning rules, in that they do things because that’s the way they’ve
learned to do them—even when the decision has higher costs and fewer benefits.
Summary and Resources for Further Learning
Rational choice theory can be used in conjunction with other social work theories, like social
learning theory and psychosocial development theory. Rational choice theory provides a
framework for social worker intervention. It’s a jumping-off point for understanding clients
and for analyzing cases using research and evidence to create more effective treatment.
To learn more about rational choice theory, check out these resources.
“Choice, Preferences and Procedures: A Rational Choice Theoretic
Approach”: External link In this book, author Kotaro Suzumura uses essays to
examine collective decision making and the nature of individual and social choice.
Exchange and Rational Choice Theories (PDF, 1.2 MB) External link : This in-
depth publication covers key rational choice concepts promoted by sociologists
Homans, Blau and Coleman.
“Modern Social Work Theory”: External link This book by Malcolm Payne
examines the major theories informing social work practice, so social workers and
students can compare rational choice theory to other theories and see how various
theories can influence client work.
“Predictably Irrational: The Hidden Forces That Shape Our Decisions”: External
link This book by Dan Ariely challenges rational choice theory and questions the role
rational thought plays in decision-making.
“Rational Choice”: External link This book by Itzhak Gilboa explains how rational
choice theory relates to fields ranging from philosophy to economics and draws on
ideas developed in psychology and sociology.
“Rational Choice Theory and Organizational Theory: A Critique”: External
link This book by economic sociologist Mary Zey examines how rational choice
theory affects organizations and the relationships between individuals and the
organizations they work for.
“Routine Activity and Rational Choice”: External link This book edited by Ronald
V. Clarke and Marcus Felson examines how rational choice theory applies to criminal
behavior such as drunk driving and gun use.
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