Normative political theories and ideologies

Normative political theories and ideologies

Normative political theories and ideologies are deemed to support what ought to be and not what is. Based on this definition, one can argue that these models apply to disaster management as they appeal to the norms and expectations of society. The following essay will relate these theories to disaster management basing information on the political contributions of Jackson, Jefferson, and Hamilton.

Jefferson, Hamilton, and Jackson had notable political contributions aligning to the normative political models. Thomas Jefferson, for instance, propagated agrarian democracy and was against the influence of big industries on small farmers. He is one of the influential individuals that advocated for the rights of ordinary citizens. Jackson, on the other hand, is remembered for setting the blueprint for the ideal American president that is from a humble beginning and a certain level of military service. Again, he is acknowledged for his role in promoting democracy and manhood suffrage. Hamilton is celebrated for his role in championing a stronger central government. He propagated the idea of paying off war bonds and debts and initiated the credit system with other countries and a federal tax collection system that aimed to empower the central government.

These theories and ideologies apply to disaster management in the sense that they propagated the expectations of society. As normative theories use to what ought to be, these theories assume that community is supposed to come together and take care of the less fortunate during a disaster. However, this does not reflect the actual situation hence bringing the idea of empirical theories.

Hamilton’s model seems more applicable to homeland security and disaster management. Empowering the central government provides an excellent opportunity to ensure national preparedness and implementation of mitigation policies in case of a disaster. Mainly, this achieved through the taxes collected and the decision making powers vested on the central government.

References

Pietrzyk-Reeves, Dorota. (2017). Normative Political Theory. Teoria Polityki. 1. 173-185. 10.4467/00000000TP.17.009.6588.