Education: A Rational Choice?
The rational action model is an often cited explanation of class differences in educational choice, but is the empirical evidence for this theory sufficient? In this paper, I review empirical articles from the past 10 years, with the aim of testing the rational action model of class differences in educational choice. I conclude that existing studies generally support the idea that costs, benefits and perceived chances of success are important predictors of educational choice and contribute to class differences. The idea of relative risk aversion is also sustained: The actors seek to avoid social degrading compared to their parents position. These are all key elements in the rational action model. However, the empirical evidence does not provide support for excluding other explanations of class differences in educational choices, especially cultural capital theory.