Consent, Dissent, and Patriotism (Political Economy of Institutions and Decisions)

Rating:
Summary: Rational choice and norms
Review: Consent, Dissent, and Patriotism attempts what many think impossible; the integration of rational choice theory (based on human beings as rational, self-interested economic actors) with the existence of social norms. Most scholars in rational choice either ignore norms or hold that they are cosmetic covering for the pursuit of personal gain. Professor Levi (U. of Wasahington) makes an important effort to attmept to integrate the notion that individuals may indeed pursue self-interest to a great extent, but are still constrained by social institutions such as the norm of "fairness." There are still may questions left in this field, and C.D.&P. is a good place to start asking. Sure, I'm a student of hers, but I really do think that this is an important book in political economy.