Social Research Glossary

 

A B C D E F G H I J K L M N O P Q R S T U V W X Y Z Home

 

Citation reference: Harvey, L., 2012-24, Social Research Glossary, Quality Research International, http://www.qualityresearchinternational.com/socialresearch/

This is a dynamic glossary and the author would welcome any e-mail suggestions for additions or amendments. Page updated 8 January, 2024 , © Lee Harvey 2012–2024.

 

 
   

_________________________________________________________________

Normative


core definition

Normative refers to the the expression of how something ought to be.


explanatory context

Normative as a statement of how things shoudl be takes two closely related forms. First, an expression of desirability or affirmation of what ought to be the case devoid of any necessary evidence. Second, referring to an extant norm, standard or value.

 

The second case often occurs in sociology when social or cultural norms are implied, alluded to or prescribed. The notion of shared norms or values is a major aspect of structural functionalist theories of social cohesion.

 

Similarly, in law, given a specific value position, 'normative' usually refers to how something ought to be done.


analytical review

Schenk (undated) states:

A normative statement expresses a judgment about whether a situation is desirable or undesirable.


Black's Law Dictionary (undated) states:

What is NORMATIVE STATEMENT? The indeterminability of the correctness or wrongness of an opinion or value judgement.


associated issues

 


related areas

See also

norm

value


Sources

Black's Law Dictionary, undated, 'What is normative statement?' in Free Online Legal Dictionary 2nd Edition, available at http://thelawdictionary.org/normative-statement/, accessed 18 March 2013, still available 11 June 2019.

Schenk, R., undated, 'Positive and normative'. available at http://ingrimayne.com/econ/Introduction/Normativ.html, accessed 18 March 2013, still available 11 June 2019.


copyright Lee Harvey 2012–2024



Top

A B C D E F G H I J K L M N O P Q R S T U V W X Y Z Home