Normative Statements

Published Jan 12, 2023

Definition of Normative Statements

Normative statements are statements that express a value judgment about what is right or wrong, good or bad. That means they are subjective opinions about how things should be rather than factual statements about how things are. They are often used to express opinions, beliefs, or values. Thus, they are considered to be the opposite of positive statements.

In economics, two fundamentally different approaches to positive and normative statements exist. To learn more about this, check out our post about positive vs. normative economics.

Example

To give an example of a normative statement, consider the following statement: “It is wrong to steal.” This statement expresses a value judgment about the morality of stealing. It is not a factual statement about the prevalence of stealing in society. It is simply an opinion about what is right or wrong.

Why Normative Statements Matter

Normative statements are important because they help us to express our opinions and beliefs. They are often used in debates and discussions to make a point or to persuade others to agree with a certain opinion. They can also be used to express our values and shape the way we think about certain topics. Therefore, it is important to be aware of the difference between normative statements and factual statements.