Normative

Question

I know the dictionary definition, but still can't get round to a definitive meaning for the word 'normative'

i.e.:

'Even statements that appear to be simple descriptions can conceal important normative assumptions'

Could somebody re-write the expression by changing just the word 'normative' with soething else?

Thank you

Feebs11 · Accepted Answer

How about:
'Even statements that appear to be simple descriptions can conceal important assumptions relating to norms'

Anonymous · Answer

Thanks, but I still dont get the meaning. I thought, in the past, that 'about what ought to be' was a bit closer, but it does not seem to apply this time.

In your answer, I cannot see what norms they are talking about.

'Even statements that appear to be simple descriptions can conceal important assumptions relating to norms'

Maybe if I expand:

We should always be aware of how the values of social researchers have a shaping effect upon the way that knowledge is constructed. Even statements that appear to be simple descriptions can conceal important normative assumptions.

Feebs11 · Answer

I cannot say what the norms might  be - that would be made clear in the wider context of the full text.  In this context, they are possibly the social rules underlying the particular aspect of social behaviour being studied or analysed.

Normative

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