Contrast and Comparison Paragraph. Domashchenko Mariia

Theories of action: Rational Theory VS Normative Theory

There have been produced so many sociological theories that sometimes a scientist has to decide the best framework to use. For example, both rational and normative theories of action consider how people decide what to do, and how to do something. Their main difference is in the way the action is explained. While the rational theory claims that people choose what is the most effective and useful to them, the normative theory contends that people always act according to the norms of the society they live in. Moreover, from the first point of view, people influence and change the society, as well as the society influences and changes them; whereas from the second point of view, only society has impact on people. Finally, the theories also are different in the 'blind areas', the areas which can't be explained. The rational theory, for instance, can't explain irrational (useless and inefficient) actions; on the other hand, the normative theory can't explain creative actions, such as innovations. Thus, the abovementioned theories of action have more differences than simmilarities, which must be considered by a sociologist searching for the best framework.