Rational Choice Theory in Contemporary Sociology of Religion

The report focuses on one of the most influential theories that is discussed in contemporary academic studies of religion and sociology of religion. Whilst in European sociology the theory of secularization dominates, in America there is an influence of Rational Choice Theory particularly represented by Rodney Stark, William Bainbridge, Roger Finke and Laurence Iannaccone. Our text lists the basic principles, standpoints and conclusions of Rational Choice Theory in sociology of religion and presents main points of criticism of this approach. The text also mentions several weaknesses of the criticism, particularly the disputable demand to criticize the basic axioms in deductive theory building and the request to see this Rational Choice Theory as a specific approach that can be applied in American environment only. The study sees the Rational Choice Theory as a possible challenge for further thinking and forming of contemporary sociology of religion.