NCJ Number
131419
Journal
Mediation Quarterly Volume: 8 Issue: 2 Dated: (Winter 1990) Pages: 115-124
Date Published
1990
Length
10 pages
Annotation
While mediation is a neutral abstract, when actually practiced it must take on the bias of the mediator. This form of social control can be either suppressive or liberating, depending on how the interests of various parties to the mediation are served.
Abstract
But a mythology of mediation has arisen in Western countries. In this mythology, earlier societies that participated in mediation are perceived as being democratic and census-oriented, settlement is seen as the ultimate goal of mediation, and mediators are thought to be powerless and neutral to the outcome. In fact, mediators intervene in a particular conflict by purveying their ideas and attitudes toward nonviolence, cooperation, communication, rationality, self-control, and empowerment. The value system inherent in mediation must be used to create professional standards and to educate the public in order to provide protection against a takeover of mediation by societal power holders. 22 references (Author abstract modified)