Conflict Resolution and Restoration in Schools

Addressing Problems in Educational Guidance from the Perspective of Restorative Justice in the School  Community

Abstract

 The purpose of this paper is to examine what school communities should learn from resolution of conflict in incidents such as school bullying.  I have focused on the theory and practice of restorative justice, especially as applied in school communities, and believe that it has much potential for citizenship education.  The theory of restorative justice is based on communitarianism.  Braithwaite (1989) describes three elements of communitarianism: densely enmeshed individuals，mutual help and trust，and group loyalties.  I consider that these concepts of communitarianism are significant for reconsidering the condition of the school communities.  I emphasize the theory of narrative and the reintegrative shaming theory for guidance methods.  Therefore, restorative justice theory is viewed as an approach to serve justice for criminals or wrongdoers who pose any harm to a community.  Any such offender must be adjudged upon, and interpersonal relationships must be restored in the community, because the practice of restorative justice pursues the needs of the community.  Restorative justice theory shows how to create a more democratic and inclusive community by resolving issues through a dialogue between the victim and the offender.   In the case of school bullying, it is necessary to reintegrate the wrongdoer into the school community.  According to the reintegrative shaming theory, acknowledging the importance of shame causes wrongdoers to take responsibility for their actions.  This could facilitate a change in attitudes held by wrongdoers toward such actions.  Acknowledged shame provides an opportunity for restoring interpersonal relationships.   The Japanese educational system must be made free from educational paternalism.  Eventually, it will be possible to restructure the school into a democratic community.  If the school community becomes democratic, children will grow up to form and maintain a civil society in the future.