Once raised the theory of rational choice is critical when performing (a theory as economist and sociologist, I could not lose the opportunity to criticize his great simplicity).
The biggest mistake of rational choice theory is its great simplicity. Explains all human behavior as an estimate of costs / benefits in which the selfishness of all individuals at the end just maximizing the benefit of all. However .... this is so clearly not. Forget the theory of internal varibales personality, influencing very big mistake ... but above all to forget the social variables that influence barbara over us (the rational choice theory would fine for beings who do not live in society, but obviously this is not the case.)
This theory is not useful for a good social analysis. I will put examples: the first through the game elllos most famous, prisoner's dilemma.
prisoner's dilemma in the Nash equilibrium occurs when both prisoners betray the other. But in real life this is not at all well. What about the crimes that are carried in a group of people very close and very intimate? (Not to mention also that the gangs have a code "sacred" to remain silent and not to the tip). For example, if two brothers are arrested ... is denounce each other ... or probably his strategy would be to remain silent?
This theory in turn part of the requirement of equal information conditions (which may occur in a laboratory but not in society). Also as well have said there may be bias in reporting.
theory also ignores all the components of altruism, social solidarity, empathy, values \u200b\u200band personal convictions ...
Finally this theory has been criticized for not taking into account the social networks and links, as they can be decisive when making a decision.