HISTORY OF THE ORIGIN AND DEVELOPMENT OF THE RATIONALINSTRUMENTAL APPROACH TO ELECTORAL
Abstract
This article describes the formation and development of the rational-instrumental approach, one of the classical theories of electoral behavior in the field of electoral sociology, and analyzes studies based on this approach. It was revealed that the rational-instrumental approach to electoral behavior was reflected in the studies of E. Downs, M. Fiorina, S. Lipset, M. Lewis-Beck and others. It is noted that E. Downes made a great contribution to the theoretical and methodological substantiation of the theory of rational choice with his book "The Economic Theory of Democracy". It is also noted that M. Fiorina in his "retrospective theory of voting" distinguishes between egocentric and sociotropic voting. It is revealed that Lewis-Beck distinguishes three variables in the study of voter behavior: retrospective, prospective and affective. It is summed up that while the rationalinstrumental theory is the most criticized theory, on the other hand, most researchers believe that it best reflects the behavior of citizens in elections.