To vote or not to vote? : the merits and limits of rational choice theory

Product Description


What makes people decide to vote? In addressing this simple question, Andr Blais examines the factors that increase or decrease turne or decrease turnout at the aggregate, cross-national level and considers what affects peoples decision to vote or to abstain. In doing so, Blais assesses the merits and limitations of the rational choice model in explaining voter behavior. The past few decades have witnessed a rise in the popularity of the rational choice model in accounting for voter turnout, and more recently a groundswell of outspoken opposition to rational choice theory.
Blais tackles this controversial topic in an engaging and personal way, bringintical science and fellow with the Centre de recherche et dveloppement en conomique at the Universit de Montral. He has published twelve books and more than one hundred articles in journals such as the American Journal of Political Science, the British Journal of Political Science, Comparative Political Studies, and Public Choice. He was a member of the editorial board of the International Encyclopedia of Elections, and he is the principal co-investigator of the Canadian Election Study.


Review


Blais very carefully lays out the diffeark. --
Michael S. Lewis-Beck, University of Iowa

Bringing to bear a wealth of data from a broad range of countries... offers a smart and even-handed assessment... --
Donald Green, Yale University