Creating Inspiring Workshops and Courses in Transdisciplinarity: A Guide - Manual / Resource - Page 97
Navigating through normative differences
Practices in transdisciplinary research
Navigating through normative differences
Normativity
What is normativity?
Normativity, generally defined, is the individual and social
phenomenon of designating some actions, behaviors,
circumstances, or outcomes as good, desirable, or permissible,
and others as bad, undesirable, or impermissible. What underlies
these designations are social and cultural reference points,
values, or standards (i.e., norms), which we use to evaluate or
make judgments about actions or situations.
What is the conceptual relevance of normativity to TDR?
As discussed above in “Role(s) of researches,” conventional
scientific research typically regards science as value-free,
pursuing a single, objective understanding of an empirically
knowable world. Positivist science uses reason, logic, and
empirical observation to generate new knowledge, and distances
itself from choices or decisions that are influenced by societal
values and political processes. In TDR, however, research is more
closely aligned with constructivist social science philosophies
that recognize that all science is framed by human values and
choices that reflect those values and norms. tles of robust
and rigorous research still apply; Like all research efforts, TDR
relies on systematic, logical, and appropriate methodological
approaches; testable hypotheses or clear questions; careful
data collection; critical analysis; and transparent reasoning and
interpretation of findings. The difference between conventional
Practices Normativity
research and TDR sits in understanding that the partiality and
decisions that frame the research and its outcomes are based in
the norms of the various actors involved.
Recognizing and integrating normativity into TDR is particularly
important, because we can expect that different disciplinary
researchers and non-academic partners will have somewhat
different norms that shape their viewpoints, interests, decisions,
priorities, and choices. Whose norms prevail in a decisionmaking setting reflect the distribution of power across a group.
Recognizing diversity does not mean differences have to be
reconciled (see Pluralism, page 86), but it can help foster positive
conversations about how normative similarities and differences
might shape the project and its outcomes. Conversely, lack of
diversity also needs to be considered; values and norms that
are too closely aligned can create an “echo chamber” that is not
robust to external critique.
What are the implications of normativity for TDR practice?
Normativity in TDR practice requires a commitment to recognize,
reflect on, and make conscientious decisions about the values
and norms that shape a project. This is usually most effective
when individuals have an opportunity to reflect on their own
normative positions and stances, and share their insights with
the team. For example, while some norms may be implied in the
assumptions examined in a process (see Theory of change, page
79), digging deeper into the values, ethics, or moral stance that
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