Sociology frequently presumes interest-oriented action but deconstructs
interests. Here, we argue for more inquiry into the social conditions
under which interest-oriented action is generated. We analyze
how interest-oriented action is understood in classical sociology, rational
choice theory, social exchange theory, and cultural sociology.
These perspectives vary in the extent to which interests are an explanatory
principle, how interests are considered, and how emergent social
formations are explained. However, they share an implicit recognition
that the question of when interest-oriented action emerges needs more
attention. Rather than naturalizing interest-oriented action, or investigating
how interests are constructed, the most productive direction for
future sociological research on interests is to specify better when action
oriented to interests becomes normative.