pp. 429-464

This article compares approaches made in microeconomic theory and in « action » sociology, paying particular attention to two aspects : representation of individual choices and the modelling of interaction between a small number of actors. A reminder is made at the beginning of the article of the basis on which the « preference » notion of microeconomics is developed. The difficulties arising from this notion are then analysed from a sociological standpoint. This is followed by a description of the basis used for economic negotiation models, largely founded on the game theory ; these models are then compared with the interactionist approaches. The analysis is illustrated with examples taken mainly from the health sector.