Rational Choice Theory Analytical Framework

Rational Choice Theory Analytical FrameworkBefore I begin on my analytical review of the selected article, I firstly, feel that it is crucial to outline and define what an analytical material is and what it consists of. overdue to the nature of the subject we atomic number 18 assessing, that be social science, it is opened that researchers look at to contend with m some(prenominal) several(predicate) variables from different theoretical stands to the vast differing ideological paradigms of this subject. If a study does not possess a proposed analytical manikin within its main ashes of writing, it lead often be criticised for being overly descriptive and lacking a precise investigation, thus meaning the faculty memberian work go away lack send away focus and suffer from being vague.Secondly, analytical models are many and varied, some utilise observable public within society from institutions such(prenominal) as family, education and the state. These are ideal if the researcher intends on aggregation evidence from that situation institution, al lowlying the researcher test their hypothesis of Y affects X etc. withal many analytical frameworks within the social sciences are usually intertwined to key capable theories these include worlds such as Marxism, Rational choice and Nedeucerk scheme. Researchers using these types of framework allow for a focused document, which adopts a particular intellectual speculation and systematically evaluates it to the chosen sort outic area from that standpoint.All analytical frameworks do theatrical role one particular trend whether it is assessing ideologies or the various institutions, their first initial problem is to mobilise the intellectual approach through and through the body of literature. Further much this analytical framework must be chosen with prudent consideration by academics, as within their chosen framework there will consist of theorists who get by akin(predicate) views on that pa rticular issue. E.g. Rational choice theorists believe that we make choices based upon our personal preference, having theorists complement your argument increases validity and streng thens structure of your argument, thus allowing you to raise particular questions such as is there reason of innate Islam? In short these frameworks consist of a set of intellectual tools that guide the researcher through his/her research for pillowcase, how to collect, sort, and interpret the results found, obviously guiding is not the solitary(prenominal) application within the theoretical framework besides it too has close links with the particular sub-questions asked within that theory.Firstly, an classical detail to reference somewhat the particular article, is the title of the article itself The Rationality of Radical Islam this shows a clear indication of the authors analytical standpoint The use of Rationality within the title suggests that Wiktoro Kaltenhaler are taking a Rational Ch oice stead approach within the article. Before I begin on exploring how Wiktoros has employed this apt choice theory to terrorist act, it is burning(prenominal) to address what thinking(prenominal) choice theory really is and its assumptions.Throughout much of the western cerebral hemisphere in the early part of the 21st century, we have witnessed a shift in the way we die human behaviour. This shift was at large partly due to the emergence of RCT which has been dominant within economics alone has spread to other disciplines. This Rational choice theory consists of three independent theories at its pith including social choice theory, game theory and economics. Essentially RCT is actually three things at the same time, because not only does it possess a logical structure to which many use it as a organic ideology to theorising. But it is both a normative empirical method of investigation into the actions and behaviours of the individual.RCTs primary cardinal focus begins with the clear acknowledgment of the individual, not the interaction between several individuals. RCT would therefore advocate a minimalist state which is only used for preserving individual liberties and non invasive on the individual. Furthermore RCT is also touch with the explanation of all social phenomenons within society whether it be conforming, or deviant acts, it views humans as perspicacious creatures meaning there are calculated mental process that exist within our choices. Because rational choice is derived from economics it acknowledges all social exchanges are like that of economic exchanges to which an actor will adopt an action rationally, based on a hierarchy of preferences, that promises to maximize benefits and minimize cost (Zey 1998 p.2) these basic expound of humans, portray that our decisions are reared towards the sole aim of profit or pleasure.This article explores the The Rationality of Radical Islam it specifically asks the question Why do Islamist ra dicals engage in luxuriously-cost/risk activism (Wiktorowicz 2006 p.296) and the incentives behind it. This particular analytical framework is perfect to use as, act of terrorism throughout the general population is widely considered highly irrational, especially in the elusion of Jihadist terrorism, as how can you sacrifice yourself and others for a greater good? The reasons many see terrorists and their sympathizers as irrational is due to that their beliefs are so improbable and dogmatic, (Wiktorowicz, cited 2004 in Caplan, 2006 p.97) and what factual evidence do Jihadist terrorists have for gaining a place straight into paradise where they can enjoy the company of 72 virgins? We foresee this certain approach as being nothing more than plain foolish, due to the dependency on belief. However Wiktrorowicz believes that we cannot judge an action such as this, as irrational simply because we dont agree with it, and if the individual is optimizing their sack preference then they are acting rationally (Wiktorowicz 2006 p.300).The second major point tackled by these two authors, is the assessment on the various incentives terrorist organisations offer, as all groups proffers its ideology as an efficient path to salvation, which serves as a heuristic device for in-doctrinal actors to weigh the costs benefits of certain behaviour (Wiktorowicz 2006 p.301). In other lecture most organisations dont offer material or terra firmaly goods which by western culture does not resound economic or personal benefit for the individual, but it shows that spiritual good are more important to some. But there is evidence that those who joined Algerias armed Islamic groups chose to do so to benefit economically from insurgency, such as smuggling (wiktorowicz 2006 p.302).Referring back to the previous point, a case study brought up in the article was on the Al-Muhajiroun which proved to be a popular group throughout the UK, but afterward the attacks on 9/11 the British state condemned the group for expressing radical views. However during its time this case study provides a perfect example of payoffs, as the Al-Muhajiron only offered spiritual payoffs for such a high risk activity, many in this group viewed activism and even risk itself as means to achieve salvation and entrance to paradise (Wiktorowicz 2006 p.302). These points articulate that RCT doesnt provide an explanation of preference formation, but rationalises a strategy of choices below a set of ordered preferences (Wiktorowicz 2006 p.302) so RCT is not concerned with wherefore individuals prioritise terrorism to the top of the list but it just wants to understand why we rationally choose to do something highly extrajudicial and dangerous.Lastly Bruce Hoffman in regards to rationality of terrorism defines terrorism as the deliberate creation and exploitation of apprehension through violence or the threat of violence in the pursuit of political change. All terrorist acts hold violence or the threat of violence. (Hoffman 1998) his use of literature such as deliberate creation backs up the arguments of Wiktorowicz that terrorists pre-plan and prepare every step of terrorism, this could be in terms of signing up for Jihadist attacks or the cooking of bombs, the terrorists know what they are doing and gladly do it pursuing their own self interest at any cost.Delving into the theoretical underpinnings of the article, I firstly, came across within the literature a reference to Mother Teresa in which she advocated that theology was self-sacrificial and wasnt motivated by external rewards (Wiktorowicz 2006 p.302). This has one of two benefits one the use of a similar theorist strengthens Wiktorowiczs argument, as the author is acknowledging a rationale in the idea that material goods are not the only driving force of an individual. And secondly, within this article by Kwilecki Wilson we can see a clear ravel theme for RCT as in the opening abstract they state that thi s paper applies rational choice to the morality of Mother Teresa (Kwilecki 2000 p.205).Lastly, upon viewing Wiktorowiczs endnote system, we can see the material they used to reference and guide their analysis is hard interlinked to the analytical framework of RCT, such as the economic approach to human behaviour an introduction to rational choice by Jon Estler clearly shows that the theoretical underpinnings all point to a RCT perspective approach and has been employ to the topic of terrorism.With RCT being a major ideological contender within the social science world over the past six decades, there is now a huge library of literature assail and defending RCT and is currently still growing. To begin I want to discuss the advantages of this particular approach in general. Firstly, RCT has survived this long due to its genuine fundamental strengths e.g. rationality accords with common whiz in certain naive settings. For example, consider a choice between $5 and $10, no strings attached. (Herrnstein 1990 p.357) On this basis of behaviour, we would continuously choose the larger sum of money no matter what, so in a sense arguing against RCT is like arguing against the principal of indisputable truth and against common sense in general.Second, the pellucid power of this theory is an undisputable strength of its own, as it has manifested itself into all disciplines that examine behaviour from political ism to the behaviourism in psychology it is hard to critique such a coherent framework. So its generality in other words allows assumptions to be placed into a wide variety of topic areas, without them being splintered into a mix of complicated sub-theories. This common deductive base detaches them from other main theories as by reducing the area of disagreement it can work much more efficiently.Before 9/11 investigations into terrorist cells were minimal, so too were activities regarding anti-terrorism. However after the attacks on the World Trade Centre in sunrise(prenominal) York, we witnessed a major influx with both participants in high risk activities as well as counter terrorism agencies investigating these radical motives. One thing is clear in terms of terrorism is the fact that RCT has opened up radical movements who were previously described as unflappable, ideological zealots trapped by rigid adherence to dogma, are now regarded as strategic thinkers.(Wiktorowicz 2005 p.13) This approach breathes life into the study of terrorists actions and how to check such activities e.g. Deterrence, there is little doubt that old-fashioned deterrence reduces the amount of terrorism, and in theory increase the risk and severity of being caught should also continue to drop the amount of throng who adopt radical beliefs.Secondly moving on to the general criticisms of this theory, which has seen a wide range of claims made against it, for instance RCT cannot explain the existence of various social phenomenons such as trust, reciprocity and especially charity, as in such organisations the masses are the ones benefitting from the individuals actions, and the individual isnt rationally choosing to maximise their personal benefits. Furthermore in terms of the individuals choices, it is secure to say that individuals do not possess all knowledge and information on everything anything, so basically humans rely on heuristics to guide our thought processes which essentially intelligent guesswork.This limitation can also go further into the fact that in society today and even in the past, peoples choices are labored by the many social institutions of society the modal individual will find his or her actions canvass from birth to death by familial and school rules laws and ordinances(Freidman 1991 p.208) . Continuing on from the last point its seems clear that its not just institutions structures holding individuals back, but the pressures of so called acceptable behaviour as these social norms are essentially a barri er to the pursuit of self-interest. Lastly on the general criticisms towards RCT Id like to discuss a point raised in the book by Paul Anard who wrote if rationality is about consistency, including logical consistency, then human agents cannot be considered rational in a full sense. (Anard 2002 p.22) This quote articulates a very provoke standpoint against the fundamental underpinnings of this theory as if RCT states we are so rational in mind body then why do we have inconsistencies of thoughts, and why are these behaviours such a common point within our society.A weakness RCT has in relation to terrorism is that RCT generally operates in a post-hoc air where researchers usually examine past precedents to rationalise and predict similar event of the future, (Lindauer 2012 p.8) but in the area of terrorism this is not a good idea, as one terrorism is irrational that mathematically people cannot always predict events and secondly, if a mistake was to be made the consequences coul d be devastating and traumatic as peoples lives are at risk.As discussed previously within this establish, RCT has a high number of loyal pursuit and a wide literature on all subjects, so as RCT is focused upon behaviour, it has made important inroads to other topic areas not just the study of terrorism. One key area RCT is dominant in, is the low turnout rate within elections. RCT states that turnout is, for many people most of the time, a low-cost, low-benefit action. (Aldrich 1993 p.261) so will always suffer. This theory has been the backbone of reform and incentives to revert voter apathy and re-engage people back into politics. For example it is important for a political campaign to outline what benefits it will have on the individual do it to be a high benefit action.Secondly RCT is prominent within criminology and the rationality of criminals, this topic is similar to terrorism in respect that, RCT argues the decision to commit an offense is negatively related to the perc eived costs of crime and positively related to the perceived rewards of crime (Nagin 1993 p.479) thus meaning there is a rational mental process taking place within the individual before a crime is committed. want petty crime is often committed at night or during quiet hours as criminals mentally calculate the benefits, such as they will be less likely to be disturbed or be seen committing a crime. RCT creates a wonderful overview to the behaviours of crime and the individuals within it.In conclusion the analytical framework utilised within the article of terrorism allows for a detailed and unique perspective on why individuals choose to commit terrorist actions. The authors use of case studies back up the RCT theory, adding not only depth but lying out clear empirical evidence of Rational choice for the reader to ponder. Because RCT is a more coherent group defined by a very clear methodology (Burnham 2008 p.26) allows the theory to be implemented into other areas. To give an exam ple, the rationality within committing crime can be directly compared and contrasted towards terrorism interlinking the mental process that go with it, thus in turn creating a powerful theory of analysis which has much literature and backing. Lastly, concluding with my thoughts on using an analytical framework within academic research. I feel using a framework is crucial in order obtain an essay that consists of structural rigour. Studying a topic area can be a daunting task especially a very broad topic like many in the social sciences, but using an analytical framework can help break down the topic of your choice helping you research, gather present your findings into a coherent argument. Furthermore without a set framework the article will attempt to answer more questions than it can answer making it a weak descriptive academic piece of work.