We are probably all familiar with the
phrase, “thinking outside the box.” As the phrase suggests, to solve a problem
we must get outside the box, our frame of thought, and its inherent assumptions
and rules in order to analyse and solve problems within the box. It’s not as
easy as it sounds, since what is reality for us is that which is within the
box. Thinking outside of what is considered normal and acceptable is often
considered fantasy or unrealistic. Dr. Elizabeth M. (Liz) Elliot (2011) has
noted that in our searching for an alternative paradigm regarding justice, we
must get out of the box of retributive thinking. She writes, “Because we are
inclined to consider punishment within
a paradigm that is punishment based, reconsidering the notion of punishment
itself seems ludicrous. Abandoning punishment in this context amounts to doing
nothing in response to wrongdoing” (p. 27). This implicit deeply rooted logic
in the mind of individuals and society is at the heart of the persistence of
retributive justice practices. A paradigm shift is necessary; only by getting
outside the box of mythical habitual, logic, will we be able to see that not
punishing is not equal to doing nothing (Elliot 2011, p.27). She notes
further that adherence to the belief that punishment is necessary for justice
to be done is the biggest challenge in making a change in thinking from
retributive justice to restorative justice (p.297).
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