Integrating Sociodrama Techniques with Restorative Justice Principles: A Socio-Justice Model

Source: (2005) Presented in Partial Fulfilment of the Requirements for the Master’s Degree of Creative Arts Therapies Concordia University, Montreal, Quebec, Canada

This research project theoretically explores how a culture of community conflict resolution may develop through the integration of sociodrama techniques with restorative justice principles. The integration of these two approaches is termed socio-justice. The socio-justice model seeks to create a culture of community conflict resolution by educating community members about the benefits of participating in restorative justice programs and encouraging them to take a collective approach to responding to instances of crime.
A limitation if this paper is that evaluative methods need to be present in order to substantiate a theory or program. This limitation is addressed by providing sample socio-justice questionnaires that may assist facilitators in evaluating the effectiveness of socio-justice programs. Notwithstanding, the socio-justice model is presented as a preliminary work further exploration. Facilitators are encouraged to use the socio-justice program as a creative method of exploring and understanding community members’ ideas, feelings needs and concerns about crime.