Abstract
James Coleman’s contributions to sociological theory are associated with the concepts of methodological individualism, rational action theory, and rational choice theory. Coleman’s sociological concept presupposes that the behaviour of social systems is an emergent result of the purposeful and goal directed behaviour of individual actors.
The author identifies the transition from the micro-level to the macro-level as the main problem of sociological interpretation. He considered the economic model that explains how the market emerges on from individual exchange relations to be an example of the proper interpretation of a macrophenomenon on the basis of micro-action. He tackles the problem of the constitution of social norms (using game theory) in a similar way.
According to Coleman, the process of modernisation expresses itself in the ever more important role played by decisions taken by corporations (corporate actors) in society. The increasing influence of corporations brings with it a decline in social capital right across society.