The Rational Choice Of The Study Of Voting Behavior

If election is the cornerstone of democracy,then voting is the core of the electoral politics. So, voting behavior is researched by many schoolers. There are four ways to research voting behavior, ecological approach sociological approach 、 Socio—Psychological approach、Economic approach. By comparison, Economic approach has become the main research way to voting.This paper is based on the elementary knowledge of the Rational Choice Theory, attempt to review on Economic approach. This covers some research models to voting behavior, including based model、calculation model、the Minimax-regret model and the Paradox of Not Voting. Some schoolers give some new explanation that justify the Economic approach. After this, I will analysis the value and weakness of Economic approach. From the perspective of research method, the Rational Choice brings forth new ideas that make us learn the motivation of voting and operation of democratic system. However, the Rational Choice base on rational man to explain voting behavior make complicated social reality simple. Pure instrumentalism analysis deny the influence of political value on voting behavior. The explanation of Rational Choice on voting behavior seems scientific and accurate, but it neglect other variables that have effect on voting behavior and this make its explanation not complete. At last, the research on political participation has some new progresses, for instance, political culture and social capital give new explanation on political participation. Indeed, researchers should come to the realization of the mutual integration of traditional political research and empirical study rather than separate completely. In order to understand voting behavior, it is wise for us to strengthen fusion of different discipline and pay attention to political value.