Conflict resolution across cultures
Date
2001
Authors
Bhangoo, Karen
Journal Title
Journal ISSN
Volume Title
Publisher
Abstract
This thesis details the analysis of a journey taken by myself not only as a student of Dispute Resolution and Sociology but as a participant in the Court Mediation Practicum Project as a mediator. The field of Dispute Resolution has evolved considerably, particularly in the areas of cross-cultural disputes. Findings from the literature indicate that cultural issues which are also related to structures of power have not been incorporated into mediation training. Evidence shows that the effects of power imbalances further the systemic racism that is so apparent in our justice system. The main intention of this thesis is to provide an understanding of culture and related issues such as language and gender in hopes of gaining more insight into cross cultural disputes. The current mediation model being used in the Practicum Project will become more successful once accompanied by supplementary training material that will better assist mediators with issues related particularly to minority groups. Understanding cultural issues as well as using ways to create new relationships in mediation will not only prove useful in gaining the theoretical knowledge necessary to deal with cross cultural issues but also help present and future mediators in the practical arena. The research approach used was qualitative, which allowed me to analyze facts and personal experiences from the Practicum Project.