weakness of interpretive approach
Weakness of rational choice approach when viewed from the lens of interpretive approach.
Rinchen Dawa( 2013104522) Rational choice approach can be well understood from the book (The Logic of Collective Action, 1965) written by Olson where he argues that “rational, self-interested individuals will not act to achieve their common of group interests” (1965:2). Rational individuals will not act to achieve a common goal because he knows that his efforts will not have an effect on the situation, and he will be able to enjoy any improvement brought about by the other actors whether or not he supports the organization. This very statement makes me think how vague this approach is! I think the term “rationality” has no concrete definition. Rationality according to me is when individuals or any actors act to achieve a common goal because she knows that her efforts will improve the situation and help in realizing the ultimate goal.
If individuals doesn’t work together to achieve their common goal, there is no or very less chances that they can achieve their goal. Hence, situation will never change and everyone will have to face the severe consequences of not acting. So, can we say not acting is rational?
Now let’s examine this through the lens of interpretive approach. The main arguments of interpretive approach are Politics is formed by the ideas that participants hold about. This approach assumes that the structures of human association are determined primarily by shared ideas rather than material forces, and the identities and interests of purposive actors are constructed by these shared ideas rather than given by nature. 1 Furthermore, it argues that culture, political system, customs and traditions, political ideology, religion so on and so forth has a tremendous impact on the people and the way they think and make decisions.
Our world is made by our thinking. We are suspended in the web of meaning they have made. Interests are
Rinchen Dawa( 2013104522) Rational choice approach can be well understood from the book (The Logic of Collective Action, 1965) written by Olson where he argues that “rational, self-interested individuals will not act to achieve their common of group interests” (1965:2). Rational individuals will not act to achieve a common goal because he knows that his efforts will not have an effect on the situation, and he will be able to enjoy any improvement brought about by the other actors whether or not he supports the organization. This very statement makes me think how vague this approach is! I think the term “rationality” has no concrete definition. Rationality according to me is when individuals or any actors act to achieve a common goal because she knows that her efforts will improve the situation and help in realizing the ultimate goal.
If individuals doesn’t work together to achieve their common goal, there is no or very less chances that they can achieve their goal. Hence, situation will never change and everyone will have to face the severe consequences of not acting. So, can we say not acting is rational?
Now let’s examine this through the lens of interpretive approach. The main arguments of interpretive approach are Politics is formed by the ideas that participants hold about. This approach assumes that the structures of human association are determined primarily by shared ideas rather than material forces, and the identities and interests of purposive actors are constructed by these shared ideas rather than given by nature. 1 Furthermore, it argues that culture, political system, customs and traditions, political ideology, religion so on and so forth has a tremendous impact on the people and the way they think and make decisions.
Our world is made by our thinking. We are suspended in the web of meaning they have made. Interests are