GENERAL OBJECTIVE

1. The general objective of Research Committee 45 on Rational Choice is to advance the development of Rational Choice Theory. This includes its application to various explanatory problems across social science disciplines, its empirical test, its theoretical development and comparison with alternative theoretical approaches. The RC tries to achieve this general objective by promoting the international exchange of scientific information across disciplinary borders.

ACTIVITIES

2. To realize this objective RC45 will
a) Organize sessions at the ISA's World Congresses of Sociology
b) Publish a Newsletter, mailed to all members in good standing, to keep them informed about ongoing and planned activities
c) Organize or sponsor additional international meetings, workshops or sessions at international meetings that are related to Rational Choice Theory
d) Advance other activities that promote research on Rational Choice Theory

MEMBERSHIP

3. Any social scientist can be an individual member of the RC, provided that
a) She or he is a member in good standing of the ISA
b) She or he has been accepted as a member by the board of RC
c) She or he has paid the membership fee or has received an exemption from the board

4. RC45 members have the right
a) To vote in board elections
b) To propose themselves or others for board membership
c) To participate and vote in business meetings of the RC
d) To participate in all the other activities of the RC
e) To receive the RC Newsletter

5. The membership fees are: US $ 20 regular four-year membership, US $ 10 reduced four-year membership for members from low-income countries, students and members in special needs.

BOARD

6. The Board of the RC shall consist of a minimum of 5 and a maximum of 9 members. It is responsible for the overall organizational and scientific activities of the RC and shall consist of (a) a president, (b) a secretary-treasurer, and (c) other members.

7. The duties of the Board are:
a) To organize the activities of the RC45
b) To represent the RC in the ISA and elsewhere
c) To manage the funds of the RC including decisions on membership fees

8. The board may establish committees for specific purposes and for a specified and limited duration, that will remain accountable to the board

9. Board meetings must be called by at least two members of the Board. A Board meeting can only take valid decisions if 2/3 of the Board members are present. Board decisions can also be taken by mail ballot among the Board members. The Board takes its decisions by simple majority.

10. Elections to the board will be held every four years, during World Congresses. No member of the board can serve more than two contiguous terms.

11. Candidates for board membership can be any RC member in good standing.

12. Elections are at the business meetings during the World Congress. Only RC members in good standing have the right to vote. The outcome of the elections will be determined by the number of votes.

BUSINESS MEETING ASSEMBLY

13. A Business Meeting Assembly is held at least every four years, preferably at the World Congress. The meeting is chaired by the President of the RC. Votes can only be cast by RC members in good standing who are present at the meeting. The duties of the Assembly are:
a) To evaluate and approve the four year report
b) To discharge the outgoing Board of its responsibilities, including the financial statement
c) To confirm the incoming board
d) To discuss and carry motions on any other point that may arise

14. Decisions in a Business Meeting Assembly are taken by simply majority

FUNDS

15. The RC will administer its own funds. Expenses are made by the Board, or by the Secretary-Treasurer on its behalf, pending authorization by the Board.

16. A statement of financial affairs will be published in the Newsletter every four years. The outgoing Board needs to be discharged for their financial responsibilities by the Business Meeting Assembly.

17. The funds of the RC consist of
a) Membership fees form individual members
b) Revenues from conferences and other activities
c) ISA subsidies
d) Donations, grants and other means

FINAL REGULATION

18. Changes and amendments to these statutes must be proposed in writing by at least five RC members in good standing, and must be approved by two-thirds of the votes in a Business Meeting Assembly.

These statutes were adopted at the business meeting on July 31, 1998, and take effects as on this day.