Conflicts Management and Social Mediation in Italy

Abstract

Italian law recently imposed compulsory mediation before reaching a judge. That change produces important consequences at social and cultural level. A new professional profile arises, as a civil mediator, who address conflict by developing communicative process between parties in conflict. His/her aim is to create conditions for a paradigm shift from the traditional contraposition of conflict-ing parties through communication and comprehension of opposing views and understanding. Media-tion involves the adaptation of a number of approaches to conflict including the Alternative Dispute Resolution (ADR) methodology or the Ghandian approach. The Interdisciplinary Centre “Sciences for Peace” (CISP) at Pisa University experienced in this regard through its research in the area of service provision for the homeless. The CISP research suggests that a holistic and systematic approach to conflict resolution is required. Such an approach requires that the social, cultural and political contexts of conflicting parties must be examined if social relationships are to be constructed or developed. To evolve from stereotypical fear and social prejudices, intervention through social mediation will develop cultural empowerment within communities of focus and thus reduce or resolve conflict situations.