To Vote or Not to Vote - The Merits and Limits of Rational Choice Theory (Paperback)

What makes people decide to vote? In addressing this simple question, Andre Blais examines the factors that increase or decrease turnout at the aggregate, cross-national level and considers what affects people's decision to vote or to abstain. In doing so, Blais assesses the merits and limitations of the rational choice model in explaining voter behavior. The past few decades have witnessed a rise in the popularity of the rational choice model in accounting for voter turnout, and more recently a groundswell of outspoken opposition to rational choice theory.

Blais tackles this controversial subject in an engaging and personal way, bringing together the opposing theories and literatures, and offering convincing tests of these different viewpoints. Most important, he handles the discussion in a clear and balanced manner. Using new data sets from many countries, Blais concludes that while rational choice is an important tool--even when it doesn't work--its empirical contribution to understanding why people vote is quite limited.

Whether one supports rational choice theory or opposes it, Blais's evenhanded and timely analysis will certainly be of interest, and is well-suited for advanced undergraduate and graduate-level classes.

General

Imprint:	University of Pittsburgh Press
Country of origin:	United States
Release date:	August 2000
First published:	August 2000
Authors:	Andre Blais
Dimensions:	230 x 150 x 40mm (L x W x T)
Format:	Paperback
Pages:	208
ISBN-13:	978-0-8229-5734-8
Categories:	Books > Social sciences > Politics & government > Political science & theory Books > Social sciences > Politics & government > Political structure & processes > Elections & referenda
LSN:	0-8229-5734-5
Barcode:	9780822957348

Is the information for this product incomplete, wrong or inappropriate? Let us know about it.

Does this product have an incorrect or missing image? Send us a new image.

Is this product missing categories? Add more categories.

Review This Product

No reviews yet - be the first to create one!