Family Policy: The Rational Choice Framework

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Family PolicyThe Rational Choice Framework

• Zimmerman, S. L. (1995). The rational
  choice framework. In S. L. Zimmerman,
  Understanding family policy (2nd ed., pp.
  104-118). Thousand Oaks, CA Sage Publications.

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Assumptions

• All values relevant to a situation are known.
• The context of the choice is known and
  understood. Context includes
• Social factors,
• economic factors,
• cultural factors,
• historical factors.
• The context determines the range of alternatives
  that are considered in selecting a course of
  action.
• Calculation of a net value ratio involves
  application of the same values and principles to
  each alternative to its consequences.
• Choice is based on the highest net value ratio.
• Choices require sacrifices from some people.

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Alternative Health Care Reform Strategies and
their Goals

• Options
• The single payer approach one entity such as the
  federal government would be the insurer.
• Multiple payer approach combination of private
  and government insurance.
• State-based reform states implement their own
  approach to insurance reform.
• Continuation of existing arrangements.
• Evaluation Process
• A citizens jury was selected to evaluate the
  options. This includes 24 people randomly
  selected.
• This jury recommended the single payer approach
  because it had the highest net value ratio based
  on universal access, comprehensiveness of
  benefits, cost containment, individual rights,
  equitable treatment, administrative simplicity.
• Government officials ignored this recommendation
  and pursued a multiple payer approach.

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Critiquing the Rational Choice Model

• There are limits to the resources available for
  collecting information to analyze.
• Information is not always used it is often
  actively ignored.
• Personal and professional motivation may impair
  rational choice.
• Some alternatives are ambiguous or outcomes are
  unknown.

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Discussion Questions

• What are the implications of a rational choice
  approach to family policy?
• How do you make decisions? Critique the
  assumptions of the rational choice framework.
• What is a net value ratio?