Abstract
Sociologists have tended to assume that although rational-choice theory may be appropriate for the analysis of Gesellschaften, it is inadequate for the analysis of Gemeinschaften. Taking this assumption as its point of departure, this article shows that a theory of group solidarity built on rational-choice premises provides a superior account of the differential success of nineteenth-century American intentional communities (which are taken to be exemplary Gemeinschaften) than does the conventional sociological account.
| Original language | English (US) |
|---|---|
| Pages (from-to) | 142-155 |
| Number of pages | 14 |
| Journal | Rationality and Society |
| Volume | 2 |
| Issue number | 2 |
| DOIs | |
| State | Published - 1990 |
ASJC Scopus subject areas
- Sociology and Political Science
- Social Sciences (miscellaneous)