Towards an integral transformation : through the looking glass of restorative justice
Date
2017-05-24
Authors
Moore, Shannon Amanda
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Abstract
This inquiry explores experiences and interpretations of transformation within the
arena of Restorative Justice. Qualitatively guided by a descriptive-exploratory design this
study employed a mixed ethnographic-phenomenological methodology. This allowed
emic and etic perspectives and an unfolding- reflexive (Merleau-Ponty, 1962) research
approach to be documented.
Although recent research has investigated Restorative Justice from the perspective
of theory and practice, I am unaware of any systematic investigations into individual
lived experiences of transformation contextualized theoretically (Wolcott, 1994) within
Wilber’s (2000a) Integral theory and Jung’s (Vol. 8, 1953-1979) Transcendent Function.
Moreover, although some researchers have explored the relationship between Jungian
and Integral theories (Harris, 2002), I am unaware of any empirical research that
combines these within a conceptual framework.
The conceptual framework of this study initiated conceptualization of an Integral
Model of Transformation that holistically accounts for individuals’ change processes as it
is inclusive of psychological, behavioural, sociological and cultural contexts. Findings
have also been disseminated into an Integral Model of Evaluation for Restorative Justice
program and processes (see Moore, 2003). In addition, this research initiative informed
development of a model of implementation of Restorative Justice in mainstream schools
(2001A), as well as a new approach to multi-cultural counselling using Restorative
Justice as a conceptual framework (see Moore, 200IB). Thus, this study contributed to knowledge of counselling psychology related to theories of change for individuals living
in the aftermath of conflict and crime as well as the application of theory into practice.
The fourteen participants in this study were adults involved in Restorative Justice
through a variety of roles including those of victims of harm, convicted offenders and
community activists. In-depth, semi-structured interviews were conducted in order to
discover participants’ interpretations of transformation and lived experiences with
Restorative Justice. Data collection also was facilitated via in-depth immersion in the
field over a thirty-month period. My participant-observer role and reflexivity was
managed through field notes, research journals and documentation with creative arts.
Analysis, interpretation and synthesis of the data had several phases. Content Analysis
was used to assess interview data through first level coding, pattern coding and memoing.
Interpretation of initial analyses was then contextualized within Jungian and Integral
theories. Finally, interpretation of findings culminated in a creative synthesis of insights.
Findings indicate that five grand themes influenced change processes for
participants: satisfaction of basic human needs; existential concerns; interconnectedness
and shared humanity; Transformational Justice and power relationships; and
transpersonal experiencing. These themes combined with the interpretation of findings
using Jungian and Integral theories together formed a proposed Integral Model of
Transformation in the arena of Restorative Justice. Findings confirm a consistent pattern
of change in the arena of Restorative Justice for victims, offenders and community
activists, that at the same time reflected the unique contexts of each individual’s life. This
was a process of transformation from a fractured-constricted sense of life to a synthesized
balance manifest as a perception of self as belonging in an interdependent world.
Description
Keywords
Restorative justice