Harmonizing or Restoring Justice: A study of victims' experiences meeting with their young offenders in China

This study examines the victims’ experiences and perceptions in meeting with their young offenders in China, as part of the out‑of‑court reconciliation programmes promoted within the Chinese justice system. A pattern of altruistic victims’ behaviour emerged out of the study, pointing at the predominance of the rehabilitation and reintegration ideals for young offenders. While a cultural and societal explanation is provided, the findings are also discussed in relation to the practice of restorative justice encounters in youth offending in the western world. The study suggests that it is problematic to look at Chinese practices through the ‘process’ lens of restorative justice in the West. The comparative analysis reveals both similarities and differences in the understanding of restoration. The article concludes that repairing the harm should respect a society’s own context, tradition and culture.status: publishe