Craib's Rational Choice Theory

The purpose of this paper is to examine how individuals know how to act when encountered with a situation. This paper will examine two frameworks for understanding this relationship by discussing rational choice theory, its application in social interactions, exchange theory, and Goffman’s theatrical metaphor in social interactions. This will be accomplished by discussing Chapter 4 of Craib’s Rational Choice Theory: ‘The Price of Everything…’, and Chapter I of Erving Goffman’s The Presentation of Self in Everyday Life. Consequently, by examining the theories mentioned above, this paper argues that when people are encountered with a situation they will take a course of action that best suits their self interest.

Rational choice theory is

Transforming the term ‘dramaturgy’, which original was used in theatre as the study of theatrical structure and representation of the key components of a dramatical play to a perspective of social interaction. To Goffman “Life itself is a dramatically acted thing” (1959: 72). We play different parts determined by the situations we take ourselves to be in, and how we think we are coming across. We adapt our selves (role) to who we are interacting with, or what situation we are in, to make a good impression to others by changing the setting, appearance and manner. This led to Goffman coining the term ‘impression management’ which is the process where social actors influence a perception of usually themselves, but could be others, and or objects in a situation to be perceived positively. For example, an individual could consistently bring up good traits about there significant other to their parents, in hopes of presenting in there minds a favourable perception of them. However, the most frequent form of impression management, is the one we perform on ourselves, such as, dressing and acting appropriately for a job interview, or a first date. In both scenarios, you are giving your first impression, and you want it to be a positive

For the performers action to become significant, they must dramatically express during the interaction what they want to convey. Dramatic realization is the portrayal of desired characteristics that the actor wishes to present to the audience. Additionally, the concept of idealized performances is relevant to the discussion. Goffman argues, that social actors (performers) do not have full autonomy in deciding their role, but that they perform (interact) in the most socially acceptable way (35). Thus, when we are on the front stage, we embody in our performance the values of society (35). In the job interview example discussed above, the perception of you that you wish to create must fit into the values of society, such as, being dressed appropriately (respectful). Goffman’s theory of human social interaction is centered around the belief, that social actors will, when encountering a situation act in a way that is beneficial to them. There self interest guides their action. The concept that they will play a role of someone or something that they are not, just to make themselves to be perceived positively is in there benefit. They put on a mask, dress up, talk, express themselves a certain because they care about how they are perceived. It is both a personal need and desire to come across as