Doing Difference and Accountability in Restorative Justice Conferences.

Source: (2006) Theoretical Criminology. 10(1):107-124.

This article analyses social dynamics in restorative justice
conferences employing two distinct meanings of accountability: one
embodied in performing gendered (and other) social relations, and
the second, in performing remorse. Engaging feminist theory of
‘doing gender’ and structured action, offenders’ accounts of their
behaviour, gendered participation of parents and community
representatives are analysed. Specifically examined are three ideals
of restorative justice: empowerment, remorse and reintegration,
and bridging barriers between participants. The data analysed are
from extensive field notes collected during six months of research
into restorative justice in Australia and as a practitioner in Maine.
Analyses reveal that achieving these ideals is more elusive than
anticipated. Rather, accountability dynamics around gender, race
and social class reinforce social privileges and disadvantage. (Author’s abstract)