Restorative Justice as Reparative Research: Conceptualizing RJ as Methodology

Session Type: Symposium

Abstract

The philosophy of restorative justice (RJ) frames wrong-doing as relational harm, rather than institutional rule violation. While RJ is often conceptualized as a school discipline reform, particularly in the United States context, many theorists argue it should be understood as a “paradigm shift”—a fundamental change in mindset and behaviors that creates widespread change in all dimensions of schooling. We interrogate whether RJ can serve as a paradigm shift for qualitative methodologists engaging in educational research. We aim to further advance these conversations by integrating the expertise of restorative justice scholars with qualitative methodologists. Using a combination of RJ circle and traditional paper presentations, this symposium will guide attendees to interrogate questions of remedy and repair during qualitative research processes.

Sub Unit

• SIG-Qualitative Research

Chairs

• Olivia Marcucci, Johns Hopkins University

• Hilary Lustick, University of Massachusetts - Lowell

• Shanté Stuart McQueen, Portland State University

• Abeer Hakouz, University of Massachusetts - Lowell

Papers

• Known methods: De-ideologizing the everyday to restore, repair, and reclaim histories, identities, and memories - Giovanni P. Dazzo, University of Georgia

• Reflective Practice as a Restorative Justice Research Method - Rochelle Arms Almengor, Berea College

• Focus Groups to Empower Restorative Coordinators - Hilary Lustick, University of Massachusetts - Lowell

• Operationalizing member-checking: Restorative justice as relational accountability in qualitative research - Alexander Parker, Johns Hopkins University; Olivia Marcucci, Johns Hopkins University

Discussant

• Sherick Andre Hughes, University of North Carolina - Chapel Hill