"Private Desires, Political Action" is an accessible overview of one of the most important approaches to the study of politics in the modern world - rational choice theory. Michael Laver does not set out to review this entire field, but rather to discuss how we might use rational choice theory to analyze the political competition that affects almost every aspect of our lives. The broad-ranging scope of the book introduces the theory at many levels of analysis, including: the private desires of individuals; the social context of how people fulfil their desires; and the problems of collective action. The discussion of these problems extends into the arena of politics, where the activities of 'political entrepreneurs' or politicians and the formation of political parties and coalitions are addressed.
- ISBN10 185702351X
- ISBN13 9781857023510
- Publish Date 11 September 1995 (first published 19 September 1994)
- Publish Status Out of Print
- Out of Print 31 January 2001
- Publish Country GB
- Publisher HarperCollins Publishers
- Imprint Fourth Estate Ltd
- Edition New edition
- Format Paperback (B-Format (198x129 mm))
- Pages 352
- Language English