Interest-Oriented Action

Abstract

Sociology frequently presumes interest-oriented action but deconstructs interests. Here, we argue for more inquiry into the social conditions under which interest-oriented action is generated. We analyze how interest-oriented action is understood in classical sociology, rational choice theory, social exchange theory, and cultural sociology. These perspectives vary in the extent to which interests are an explanatory principle, how interests are considered, and how emergent social formations are explained. However, they share an implicit recognition that the question of when interest-oriented action emerges needs more attention. Rather than naturalizing interest-oriented action, or investigating how interests are constructed, the most productive direction for future sociological research on interests is to specify better when action oriented to interests becomes normative.

Why Trade Associations Matter: Exploring Function, Meaning, and Influence

“…Scholars of organizational culture have sounded the call to further understand the social conditions under which interest-oriented action is generated (Spillman & Strand, 2013) and how culture is shared and interpreted across organizational boundaries (Weber & Dacin, 2011). We suggest that TA scholars are especially well situated to pursue this research.…”

Social Desire Paths

“…This extends Weber's classic insight that interests are indicators of culture and often expressions of value-rational goals (Spillman and Strand 2013). Social desire paths are formed by individuals or small groups who are trying to meet needs, without explicit contemplation or some intent to create social change.…”

Social desire paths: a new theoretical concept to increase the usability of social science research in society

“…Swedberg (2005b) succeeds in finding sociology of interest in the work of many prominent sociologists and also in showing that interest has been studied and found to exist beyond the typical study of interests as solely economically motivated. He accomplishes this by extending the work of Weber in recognizing that interests are indicators of culture in that they are expressions of value-rational goals (Spillman and Strand 2013). However, much is left to be understood about how interests are manifested that then can be captured to inform formal structural change.…”

“…Swedberg notes that in the literature there is very little discussion of the relationship between interests and social structure, leaving the argument of interests as a sociological (rather than a biological or psychological) phenomenon wanting. Spillman and Strand (2013) also call for more analysis on the conditions under which interest-oriented action occurs. Their work argues for a sociology of interests that goes beyond the limitations of interests as rooted in rational choice or social exchange theories, making a case for including culture as part of the analysis, saying: "… cultural sociology offers an array of analytic approaches for systematic hermeneutic understanding of how interests become meaningful in particular contexts" (p. 98).…”

“…Their work argues for a sociology of interests that goes beyond the limitations of interests as rooted in rational choice or social exchange theories, making a case for including culture as part of the analysis, saying: "… cultural sociology offers an array of analytic approaches for systematic hermeneutic understanding of how interests become meaningful in particular contexts" (p. 98). Spillman and Strand (2013) furthers the theoretical development of interests by considering the different systems levels from which interests (and desires) emerge and the subsequent effects of such actions on these same systems. Inquiry into the role of interests from the differing perspectives of rational choice, social exchange, and cultural theories provides a more refined look at what a social desire path approach and analysis can add to existing theoretical conceptions of interest-oriented action.…”