Mills’ Motives and the Science of Action

• In Event: 221 - Regular Session. Sociological Theory: Calculation, Cognition, Choice, and Motive

Abstract

In this presentation, I argue that C. Wright Mills’ (1940) conceptualization of motive can help analysts understand why individuals choose to take particular courses of action. There are three mechanisms by which Mills’ conceptualization of motive can influence the courses of action individuals choose to take. The first mechanism is cognitive: motives learned during the process of socialization limit actors’ perceived possibilities of action in particular settings. The second mechanism is anticipatory: actors’ take into account whether they have a motive that others in the situation will accept as legitimate when deciding on whether to take a course of action. The third mechanism is performative: actors express motives to others to convince these others to allow particular courses of action to proceed.

Author

• Shane Sharp, Northern Illinois University