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Self-realisation and Usefulness: A Critical Examination of Self-determination Theory

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  • Robert Sugden

Abstract

Individual autonomy (or self-determination) is increasingly treated by economists as a dimension of value, complementary with welfare, efficiency and distributional equality. Many contributors to this literature acknowledge Deci and Ryan’s self-determination theory as providing psychological foundations for the concepts of intrinsic motivation and autonomy. In a critical examination of that theory, I argue that its intrinsic/extrinisic categorisation of motivations and its emphasis on self-realisation do not properly recognise the ways in which individuals can find satisfaction in being useful to one another. If market transactions are viewed through the lens of self-determination theory, their moral content can be obscured.

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  • Robert Sugden, 2024. "Self-realisation and Usefulness: A Critical Examination of Self-determination Theory," Review of Behavioral Economics, now publishers, vol. 11(2), pages 211-234, May.
    • Handle: RePEc:now:jnlrbe:105.00000187
    DOI: 10.1561/105.00000187
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