NORMATIVE FUNCTION

CONCEPT OF NORMATIVE FUNCTION

The term Normative is an adjective derived from the word “Norm” which means standard or
something which is acceptable in society. Norm is a standard for evaluating or making judgements
about behaviour or outcomes.

In philosophy, the adjective normative is used to describe statements that are based on values. A
normative statement is a claim about how things ought to be.

For instance, communities do have certain values and aims which they seek to realize in their school
system. But the question arises that whether the existing values or aims are good ? if not then what
aims and values school ought to have.

Examples:

 Up to the age of 14, every child must be provided free and compulsory education.

 Education should be based on human needs and requirements.

 What should be the curriculum of M.Ed.

CHARACTERISTICS OF NORMATIVE FUNCTION

 It is not factual.
 It is not empirical.
 It is moral/ethical philosophy.
 It is culture oriented.
 It is simply a fact or observation about a behaviour.
 It is relation between facts and values.
 It provides the norms, goals, and standards of education.
 It is opposed to ‘is’.
 Statements under normative philosophy are judgemental.

METHOD IN NORMATIVE FUNCTION.

Method of normative function is Formal Reasoning. To seek the answer to the question ‘what should
be’ or ‘what one should do’ we should consider the following:

What is good or bad behaviour.

What is right or wrong behaviour.

What is desirable and Undesirable behaviour.

After analysing these, one will be able to find ‘what should be.