Culture as Seedbed of Change

Source: (2006) Voma Connections. Spring 2006, Number 23. pp.7-8.

: Although peacebuilding processes have become popular since the 1970s, the processes and principles have been a part of indigenous people far longer. However, there is a concern of governments extending state control when they begin implementing restorative justice programs. For restorative processes to be successful, they need to consider the culture where it will be in operation—each locality has different needs and values that must be considered in the process (context-driven). Moreover, peacebuilding needs to be design-driven. Different cultures have different ways of dealing with conflict, and the process cannot be developed around the “forum” where it will occur. The design of the process has to be fluid in order to make necessary changes to benefit the culture and people for whom it is being implemented (design-driven).