Normative Political Theory as an Analytic Framework - Essay Example

Normative Political Theory as an Analytic Framework The normative political theory has for many years come tobe considered as unscientific mainly because it not only involves the study of diverse political situations, but it also attempts to make moral judgements concerning whether they are good in their own terms. This theory was for the most part of the twentieth century been put aside in favour of more scientific studies of politics in a bid to ensure that there was a neutral stance in all observations made. However, in the twenty first century, the normative approach has made a comeback with many scholars attempting to synthesise it with the predominant value-neutral approach to politics. Thus, while other political theories attempt to study politics as it is, the normative approach makes direct comments about how the political situation should be and takes a moral stance where other approaches try as much as possible to remain neutral. This paper attempt to show that while the normative political theory might be considered not to be scientific; it is still relevant as an analytical framework because it ensures that it makes an evaluation of the merits and demerits of the subject under study and provides recommendations on how it can be made better. The normative political theory is effective as an analytic framework mainly because it is subjective in nature and this is mainly through its being used to study a situation and make moral judgements concerning it. The morality or values of a political system can be analysed normatively because this is the only way through which it can be effectively described, but also that it can be analysed in such a manner that its merits are shown in relation to its demerits (Dahl, 1961). Furthermore, it is only through the effort of making moral judgements that the weaknesses of political systems can be revealed and understood and it is through this that it is possible to develop suggestions to help make possible the improvement of these systems. It is essential to note that as a result of political systems being studies normatively, the possibility of creating alternative and more efficient systems is increased because politics are always evolving according to the environment within which it is set. This way, the normative approach is quite different from the empirical approach because its analyses are based on philosophies while the latter is based on a value-neutral scientific approach that does not put into consideration the values that make a political system under study what it is. The empirical approach is only capable of studying a political system as it is and does not go into a deep analysis of how it came into being and whether it has lost the moral basis upon which it was developed. Thus, the normative approach is a more reliable analytic framework because it allows for the development of an opinion concerning whether a political system is working or whether it has become degraded to such an extent that it will not be able to sustain itself for long as a result of lacking moral values. The normative approach often puts into consideration whether a political system is good or not and takes time to ensure that an analysis of this value is made. This is essential in the development of an understanding of the subject at hand because it allows for an understanding of the values involved within a society that bring about the creation of the political system that is being used. For example, when making a study of democracy from a normative perspective, it is often necessary to decipher whether a certain democratic system might be better than others. The normative approach has often been criticised as being idealist because it always looks towards analysing the goodness of a system rather than analysing it through scientific or empirical means that ensure that it is studied the way it is (Foot, 2009). From a normative approach, a federal system can be considered to be the best because it is good for the people and this creates a situation where an analysis is made using those qualities that are believed will bring the most advantage to those people who are governed under such a system. In this case, the normative approach will cover such merits as representation, better access to services, as well as the development of initiatives designed to ensure that there is no abuse of power by the leadership. This shows that the normative approach concentrates more on how a system is likely to work better in the interest of the people it governs rather than making an analysis based on the actual workings of the system. Thus, despite being criticised for its idealistic nature, the normative approach is a reliable analytic framework because it tackles problems not through a neutral stance, but through actively considering how the public’s political interests can be better served. It is through the normative approach that it is possible for a political system to be analysed according to its social importance. The normative approach makes it possible for the social norms and values of the society under a political system to be put into consideration when the latter is being analysed because it is in their interests (Gerring and Yesnowitz, 2006). In this way, only the factors that are believed to be good can be used to ensure a political system works towards the best interests of its constituents. From this point of view, the only correct action in politics is one which ensures that the most beneficial consequences come about for those affected, in this case the subjects of a political system. This approach therefore looks into the basics of politics that are beneficial for those who are affected by it and often criticises those that do not. Through this direct involvement, an analysis ends up being based on the personal opinions of a researcher founded upon his own understanding of the norms of the society under study. It is through making decisions based on preconceived ideas that are formulated before the study begins that ensure the importance of the normative approach. In a situation where it is necessary to develop explanations based on the how a political system should be rather than how it is, the normative approach is the best because it ensures the accurate analysis of the current system based on a preconceived ideal which is then put to the test to see whether it matches the latter or not. If the system under study does not match the ideal, then the researcher comes to the conclusion that it has deviated from the societal norms and its actions are not in the best interests of the people it governs. One of the strengths of the normative approach is its ability to read into the meanings and values of political structures rather than studying them according to their functions. Thus, when analysing the morality of a political action, the normative approach considers it to be morally correct in an instance where an action brings about positive results. However, if an action does not end up creating positive results, even though in normal circumstances, it would be considered to be good, then its goodness would be cancelled and it would end up being morally incorrect. It is therefore essential to note that the normative political theory is essentially based on the study of the end results of political actions and structures rather than the structures themselves as would be the case in an empirical approach. The ability to look deeper into the functions and results of structures and actions makes the normative approach quite reliable as an analytical framework because it allows for the development of proper channels through which it is possible to attain the full measure of the subjects under study (Hill, 2012). In a situation where despite structures being in place, there are no notable improvements in the lives of the people subjected by the political system, the normative approach allows for a correct analysis of the situation so that a clearer picture of the political system being studied can be created. The importance of the ideals or values propagated by the normative approach cannot be underestimated in any analysis within the realm of political science because it makes possible the development of conclusions based on the end results of an action rather than what the action was intended to achieve. This approach helps in ensuring that there are checks in the manner in which political institutions are dealt with during analyses and helps in the constructive development of recommendations on how these institutions can be improved. It has been argued, albeit falsely, that the normative political approach to analysis is only based on ideals rather than on the facts under study. This is an argument that does not put into consideration that the normative approach, like any other, still has to deal with the realities of a situation and come up with conclusions based on the facts on the ground (Dorschel, 1988). This approach, despite being based on already set ideals, still has to make an analysis of the manner in which a political situation has developed and whether this situation is good for all those involved or not. Under these circumstances, it is the best analytical framework because apart from dealing with the facts that have been observed under study, the normative approach is also in a position to pass judgement upon the merits of the subject based on the norms of the society in which it is set. Thus, the normative approach not only makes assumptions concerning the ideals that have to be followed in ensuring the maximum benefit for all those involved, but it also allows for analyses to be made to help in the development of logical conclusions that add to knowledge within political science. Moreover, it ensures the creation of analyses, which not only seek to clarify the assumptions that have been made before and during the study, but also ensure that these assumptions are included in a logical manner so that they do not interfere with the credibility of the study. Furthermore, the normative approach helps in the development of ideas or assumptions which can be used as a means of substantiation studies that have been conducted under other approaches, hence the further development of useful knowledge. Because the normative approach is essential in helping members of society as well as policymakers understand the world around them, its use as an analytical frame work is justified because it takes into account the different aspects of a changing world. This approach makes it possible for studies to be conducted in a manner that puts into consideration the need to analyse situations based on the changes in norms within the society rather than the situation where studies are conducted without change being considered to add to the credibility of the study. In conclusion, the discussion above has attempted to show the effectiveness of the normative political theory as an analytic framework. One of the arguments that have been made is that the normative approach is effective as an analytic framework mainly as a result of its subjective nature mainly through its being used to study a political situation and make moral judgements concerning it, hence assessing its feasibility. Furthermore, an argument has been made that the normative approach often puts into consideration whether a political system is good or not and takes time to ensure that an analysis of this value is made. Moreover, it is through the normative approach that there arises as possibility that a political system to be analysed according to its social importance. In addition, it has been shown that among the strengths of the normative approach is its ability to read into the meanings and values of political structures rather than studying them according to their functions. Finally, the discussion above has disputed the argument that the normative political approach to analysis is only based on ideals rather than on the facts under study and it has been argued that like any other approach, the normative approach also deals with the facts on the ground. References Dahl, R.A., 1961. “The Behavioral Approach in Political Science: Epitaph for a Monument to Successful Protest.” American Political Science Review, vol. 55, pp.770–71. Dorschel, A., 1988. “Is there any normative claim internal to stating facts?” Communication & Cognition, vol. 31, no. 1, pp. 5-16. Foot, P., 2009. “Morality as a System of Hypothetical Imperatives.” In S. M. Cahn, & P. Markie. Ethics: History, Theory, and Contemporary Issues. New York: Oxford University Press. Gerring, J. & Yesnowitz, J. 2006, “A Normative Turn in Political Science?” Polity, vol.38, no.1, pp.101 – 133. Hill, K.Q. 2012, "In Search of General Theory." Journal of Politics, vol. 74, pp. 917-931. Read More