ABSTRACT
This chapter seeks to discuss multiple literatures in order to demonstrate their
relevance to the research problematic (Schwandt, 2001: 229) while highlighting the
importance of the work and its specific contribution (Bryman, 2001: 496). Since I have
sought to evaluate and interpret Australia’s reconciliation project this review covers
the following broad areas: First, it discusses the major works on reconciliation as a
paradigm vehicle for social stability in order to better understand the general concept
and its applicability to the case study. Second, it discusses general literature on
indigenous aspirations and entitlements, which demonstrate how colonial structures
continue to restrict indigenous peoples’ autonomy. The indigenous perspective and
the general reconciliation literature combine to elucidate a benchmark by which
to ascertain the authenticity of a process grounded in the need to address colonial
dispossession and its legacy. Lastly, it examines some interpretive perspectives
which focus specifically on the Australian reconciliation process itself and which
have significantly informed my understanding.
