Final answer:
A normative approach in anthropology focuses on understanding human development by looking at norms of development, the nurturing aspects of culture, and moral standards for behavior within different societies.
Step-by-step explanation:
A "normative approach" in anthropology focuses on the study of development using norms, or average ages, when most children reach specific developmental milestones, as well as the nurturing aspects of the environment and culture. This approach is part of a wider anthropological perspective that considers humans as dynamic actors within a broader system populated by others, including other species and spiritual entities. It considers the principles and standards of behavior that are deemed vital for understanding different cultures and ways of life, highlighting the importance of cultural relativism and the dignity of all human beings.
The anthropological approach also integrates ontological anthropology, which explores how culture shapes our understanding of reality and how we act on those beliefs, including nonhuman perspectives and communication. Furthermore, anthropology examines the various solutions cultures have devised to address common human challenges and the diverse perspectives within each culture regarding their norms.
Within this field, normative ethics is concerned with moral behavior, establishing criteria for identifying norms and standards to guide correct behavior. Anthropological values emphasize the significance of the various solutions that cultures have created, often driven by a commitment to take a broad view that can uncover the wider forces shaping cultural phenomena.