The definition of the situation

Journal/Book: Kolner Z Soziol Sozialpsychol. 1996; 48: Postfach 5829, W-6200 Wiesbaden, Germany. Westdeutscher Verlag GmbH. 1.

Abstract: One of the basics of the sociological theory of action is the assumption of a special ''definition'' of the situation, out of which the particular ''logic'' of action arises. A model of the definition of the situation is developed which links the considerations of the Thomas-theorem and the interpretative paradigm with recent conceptions of attitude-theory. The ''objective'' background, which is orientated on the theory of the household-production, is provided by the concept of the social production functions. It is shown how the incentives and the stability of this background as well as the selection of cultural preshaped ''models'' of the situation and of the ''modus'' of information processing define how the actors look at the situation-In this way it is shown that ''rationality'', indeed, is only a special and cultural defined model of the situation and/or a particular modus of information-processing. But the variables and the rules of selection of this internal act of the ''definition'' of the situation again follow, at least formally, the theory of rational choice.

Note: Article H Esser, Univ Mannheim, Lehrstuhl Soziol & Wissensch Lehre, Fak Sozialwissensch, Seminargebaude A5, D-68131 Mannheim, Germany

Keyword(s): DECISION-MAKING; IMAGE THEORY

Zurück | Weiter