ABSTRACT
Rational choice theory represents the most widely used system of behavioral principles in social science explanations. This chapter elaborates rational choice theory in a way that elucidates the mechanisms by which social conditions (such as formal educational attainment) affect the degree of a person's participation in the arts and cultural activities. The most general assumptions of rational choice theory are that individuals have goals which they try to realize by their actions, thereby using resources and acting under social and natural (situational) constraints. The chapter discusses some general aspects of rational choice theory, i.e., without reference to cultural participation. It deals with the application of that theory to this specific problem area. The chapter summarizes the results of the theoretical analysis with regard to educational attainment as a predictor for cultural activities. It draws some conclusions with respect to the central question, namely, why and to what extent education has the predictive power shown in empirical research.
