Regulative

Regulative refers to something that controls, governs, or directs a process, system, or behavior. It implies the establishment of rules, principles, or standards to maintain order, ensure proper function, or guide actions toward a specific outcome. This can apply to a wide range of contexts, from biological processes and economic systems to societal norms and artistic practices. The term emphasizes the imposition of structure and the channeling of activity within defined boundaries.

Regulative meaning with examples

• The government implemented regulative measures on financial institutions to prevent future crises. This included stricter capital requirements and oversight of high-risk investments. These were designed to regulate and prevent the free flow of capital. The aim was to protect consumers and ensure the stability of the financial system.
• In cellular biology, various regulative mechanisms are responsible for maintaining homeostasis. These mechanisms ensure cells grow and divide appropriately and are not left unchecked. Such mechanisms might involve complex feedback loops. They involve signaling pathways and gene expression, to avoid disruptions that lead to disease.
• The artist adopted a regulative approach to their creative process, establishing constraints on medium and subject matter. This discipline, which might be unusual, allowed them to focus their energy and create a consistent body of work. Such boundaries provided clarity, guiding their artistic decisions and enhancing the work.
• Ethical codes serve a regulative function within professions, setting standards of conduct for practitioners. Doctors, lawyers, and scientists operate within established rules to prevent harmful practice. These guides aim to ensure professionalism and accountability, protecting the public from misconduct or poor judgement.