Rational Choice and Democratic Government: A Sociological Approach

This book explores the nature, working, and effects of democracy, considering the emergence and spread of democratic government, the conditions under which it endures or collapses, and the role of wealth in this process. It employs rational choice theory to examine the motivations of voters and their levels of political knowledge and rationality, as well as the special interests, incentives, and corruption of politicians.

Format: Paperback / softback
Length: 154 pages
Publication date: 23 September 2021
Publisher: Taylor & Francis Ltd

Drawing on a wealth of data from diverse disciplines, this comprehensive book delves into a series of fundamental inquiries surrounding the nature, functioning, and consequences of democracy. It examines the origins and spread of democratic governance, the factors that sustain or undermine it, and the role of wealth in this process. Moreover, it explores the peaceful nature of interactions between democracies. The author emphasizes the "ordinary voter" and employs rational choice theory to examine voters' motivations, political knowledge, rationality, and the interests, incentives, and corruption of politicians. This theoretically informed and empirically illustrated study offers valuable insights into the birth and decline of democracies, the extent of voters' political understanding and ignorance, the logic of political behavior in both open and closed regimes, and the international implications of democratic rule. Appealing to scholars with interests in political sociology, political psychology, economics, and political science, this book provides a comprehensive exploration of the complex dynamics of democratic governance.

Weight: 252g
Dimension: 152 x 234 x 12 (mm)
ISBN-13: 9781032000688