Rational choice theory and the environment: Variants, applications, and new trends

Abstract

Rational choice theory (RCT) is a research paradigm based on methodological individualism. Collective phenomena are explained by assumptions about the behavior of (subjectively) rational individual or corporate actors. In environmental research, RCT is used to predict ecological perceptions, attitudes and behavior on the micro level, and to shed light on environmental outcomes on the macro level. The most fundamental insight from RCT is that environmental problems are often the result of a social dilemma, that is, individuals' purposive action leads to unintended negative collective consequences. This chapter addresses variants of RCT including game theory, shows applications in the field of environmental sociology on the micro and macro level, and points to new trends in RCT such as neuroeconomics and happiness research which may also be useful for environmental sociology. © Springer Science+Business Media B.V. 2010.