Soc 626 Interests and the Problem of Collective Action
* Mancur Olson, The Logic of Collective Action, (1965) Introduction and Chapter 1. Still very widely cited as true, despite extensive critical literature since its publication. You need to know what he said, as well as know why his argument is misleading (which we will discuss in class).
Oliver’s Proof that Olson’s equations are independent of group size (this is in case you want to know; not required reading)
Words and Theories – Short notes on the history of “collective behavior,” “collective action,” “collective event” and remarks on the falsity of the “rational vs. irrational” dichotomy
Not required: Link to a long list of collective action theory & research articles (graduate seminar page). Useful if you want to do further reading in this topic.