What does rational choice theory take for granted about actors?

Question

According to rational choice theory, actors try to maximize what and what?

Rational choice theory maintains that actors are constrained by what?

thanks in advance

Answer 1

It assumes that the actor (or individual) are trying to maximize their benefits for the minimum amount of cost using cost-benefit analysis.

It also assumes that actors are constrained by rationality and specifically instrumental rationality which is the use of specific means to achieve specific ends (as a simple working definition).

Part of the problem may be that people are not as rational as the theory often assumes they will be.