How Does Restorative Justice Work? A Qualitative Metasynthesis

A systematic effort to answer in what ways and contexts the claims of restorative justice (RJ) prove persuasive is lacking. We address this gap through a metasynthesis of qualitative studies. Drawing on 26 studies identified through the systematic literature search, we identified three overarching t...

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Bibliographic Details
Main Author: Suzuki, Masahiro (Author)
Contributors: Yuan, Xiaoyu
Format: Electronic Article
Language:English
Published: 2021
In: Criminal justice and behavior
Year: 2021, Volume: 48, Issue: 10, Pages: 1347-1365
Online Access: Volltext (kostenfrei)
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Keywords:
Trajectories
Social Support
Qualitative methods
Emotion
Restorative Justice
Description
Summary:A systematic effort to answer in what ways and contexts the claims of restorative justice (RJ) prove persuasive is lacking. We address this gap through a metasynthesis of qualitative studies. Drawing on 26 studies identified through the systematic literature search, we identified three overarching themes to understand “how RJ works”: (1) opportunities for humanization, learning, and putting emotions of victims and individuals who committed a crime at the center of conflict-solving, (2) support networks and mechanisms for communication, and (3) life-changing journey enshrined in healing. We develop a line of argument showing how the micro-, meso-, and macro-elements of RJ interact with each other. While offering reflections on the limitations of existing literature around this key issue, we conclude with implications for advancing research of RJ.
ISSN:1552-3594
DOI:10.1177/0093854821994622