Writing the history of violence anew: rethinking transitional justice a psycho-social perspective
by Caterina Sirna
International Journal of Human Rights and Constitutional Studies (IJHRCS), Vol. 2, No. 4, 2014

Abstract: This research attempts to explore the possibilities of rethinking the mechanism of transitional justice within a new framework stemming from psychological and social science. Rather than focusing on the debate whether it is better to punish or to forgive past wrongdoings, it points out the necessity of fully respecting the memory of suffering in order to create a healing narrative. As victims of mass atrocities or totalitarian regimes are told to be unique and qualitative different from victims of ordinary crimes, this paper has attempted to conciliate both the juridical and psychological language in order to promote a holistic framework which is necessary for dealing with a society shattered by armed conflict or autocratic suppression. Therefore, reconciliation in juridical terms has been broadened in order to include psychological components as emotions attitude and behaviours. The concept of healing, revenge, forgiveness and memory has been clarified in order to give more attention to individual psychological processes and respond to those demands.

Online publication date: Fri, 13-Mar-2015

The full text of this article is only available to individual subscribers or to users at subscribing institutions.

 
Existing subscribers:
Go to Inderscience Online Journals to access the Full Text of this article.

Pay per view:
If you are not a subscriber and you just want to read the full contents of this article, buy online access here.

Complimentary Subscribers, Editors or Members of the Editorial Board of the International Journal of Human Rights and Constitutional Studies (IJHRCS):
Login with your Inderscience username and password:

Username:        Password:          Forgotten your password?

Want to subscribe?
A subscription gives you complete access to all articles in the current issue, as well as to all articles in the previous three years (where applicable). See our Orders page to subscribe.

If you still need assistance, please email subs@inderscience.com