There are two broad intellectual streams in the description and explanation of social action. One, characteristic of the work of most sociologists, sees the actor as socialized and action as governed by social norms, rules, and obligations. … The other intellectual stream, characteristic of the work of most economists, sees the actor as having goals independently arrived at, as acting independently, and as wholly self-interested.

Builds on: "Rational action theory becomes social by incorporating social structure."

Coleman, SocialCapitalCreation-1988, loc. 8