Norms, Rationalizations and Collective Political Action. A Rational Choice Perspective

Three issues are addressed: (1) Can Rational Choice Theory (RCT) explain rule-governed behavior? (2) Are norms explanatory factors for behavior or are norms only invoked as rationalization after the behavior has been performed for non-normative reasons? (3) What role do norms play in explaining behavior, in comparison to other factors? In regard to question 1, it is argued that RCT can explain under what conditions individuals follow rules. In order to investigate questions 2 and 3, several hypotheses are proposed and tested by a three-wave panel study conducted between 1990 and 1996 in East Germany. The hypotheses are tested for a specific behavior: participation in political protest. In regard to the causal role of norms for explaining behavior the analyses show that norms are causes of behavior, whereas there is no evidence for the hypothesis that norms are only invoked as rationalizations. In regard to the importance of norms compared with other factors the results of our research indicate that the role of norms heavily depends on the kind of protest behavior and on the situation. The results of the panel study are consistent with the proposition that norms are more important in low-cost than in high-cost situations. However, a theoretical discussion of this explanation indicates that it is problematic.