| The research question is: Whether the trend toward "alternate dispute resolution" should be regarded as significant change, and, if so, whether it is minor, moderate, or major in degree.;A theoretical model of change is next presented. It is argued that there are four generic or universal processes of change: "differentiation" of new social structures (horizontal), "restratification" of social rankings, "cultural innovation" of ideas, values, and norms, and "attitudinal variation" in terms of feeling-states toward particular objects. The conception is grounded in the sociologies of Pitirim A. Sorokin and Talcott Parsons, and is referred to as an "integral model" of change. It is further argued that four generic types of non-change or "persistence"must be examined: persistence of social structures (horizontal), persistence of rankings and control relations (vertical), persistence of cultural ideas, values, and norms, and persistence of attitudes.;On the basis of survey data collected from a national sample of 76 program directors, several conclusions are reached. The trend is significant change, of minor degree, that is likely to spread in the near future while remaining within the range of minor change. Evidence of change is stronger for processes of cultural innovation and attitudinal variation than for restratification or differentiation. The most likely areas of expansion are family disputes and commercial disputes. Ultimately, evaluation of the trend requires that it be located within a larger matrix of contemporary alternative movements.;It is pointed out that the past fifteen years have witnessed the emergence of hundreds of dispute resolution programs, that these programs process a wide variety of interpersonal disputes, and that they seem to increase the discretion of average persons over matters previously dealt with by the formal system of justice and professional elites. At the same time, however, such programs tend to be sponsored and funded by official agencies such as the courts, and typically handle only minor criminal and civil matters. Thus, as social control theorists conclude, they may work against fundamental change. |
