The perception of energy security: the types of uninformed rational actors

Abstract

The rational choice theory in social sciences allows one to model socio-demographic as well as motivational factors of individuals’ choices, and to link them with the social processes of the macro-level. Energy security can be interpreted in a sociological perspective as a consequence of the risk perception of a society, therefore, the rational choice theory helps to typologise a rational character in relation to the perception of energy security. The article, based on the empirical research (public poll, N = 2002), distinguishes and describes the types of energy security perception of an uninformed social actor and their relationship to various sociodemographic parameters (age, income, education, place of residence).