Social Justice, Power and Process in Mediation
Mediation doesn't happen in a vacuum. This course explores the mediator's role as guardians of a space that must actively resist the loss of dignity inherent in wider bureaucratic and systemic contexts.
Course Synopsis
Mediation doesn't happen in a vacuum. We are stepping into contexts where resources may be constrained, roles are often rigid, and parties can feel dehumanised by the very systems meant to support them.
This course explores the mediator's role as more than just a neutral facilitator. We are the guardians of a space that must actively resist the loss of dignity inherent in wider bureaucratic and systemic contexts.
By using Erving Goffman's sociological lens of 'theatre', we will examine our own roles, how we manage the 'backstage' preparation and the 'onstage' performance. This course equips you to create and hold a space where power is made transparent, all voices are heard, and the human beings involved are truly seen.
Course Objectives
By bridging sociological theory and practical frameworks through real-world cases, this course equips you to:
• Navigate systemic conflict by moving beyond surface-level disputes to address the 'system-generated' trauma and resource constraints that shape many mediation contexts.
• Understand how to balance competing interests and perspectives while maintaining focus on the needs and agency of those most affected by the dispute.
• Elevate your practice by applying Goffman's dramaturgical lens to manage power imbalances and maintain ethical honesty, understanding how participants may be constrained by difficult systemic scripts.
• Define the ethical red lines that separate a fair process from advocacy; learn to operate with impartiality within flawed systems, not by forcing organisational reform, but through gentle challenging and clear outcome statements.
• Foster reflective resilience by equipping you with the psychological tools to recognise your own triggers and manage the 'onstage' performance without succumbing to compassion fatigue.
Learning Outcomes
By the end of this course you will be able to:
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Identify the markers of systemic trauma in participants and apply ethical honesty, being transparent about systemic flaws without compromising the mediation's integrity.
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Differentiate between Actual Power (legal rights and formal authority) and Perceived Power (institutional or positional authority) to re-balance the room effectively.
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Navigate the tension between individual resolution and systemic failure by maintaining strict impartiality and a clear boundary between facilitation and advocacy.
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Execute gentle yet strategic questioning to address power imbalances while remaining a neutral facilitator.
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Apply sociological frameworks to ensure all affected parties are treated as people with agency, preventing their needs from being obscured by institutional or positional agendas.
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Translate complex discussions into specific, clear and enforceable outcome statements that provide a roadmap for implementation.
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Develop a reflective practice plan to identify personal triggers, subconscious biases, and the signs of compassion fatigue inherent in emotionally demanding mediation contexts.
Course Structure
Total Duration: 6 hours
Module 1: The Systemic Lens – Understanding System-Generated Conflict (60 min) Examining research on system-generated trauma and constraint. Distinguishing between actual power (legal rights) and perceived power (institutional authority).
Module 2: The Theoretical Framework – Theatre, Power & Conflict (60 min) The Dramaturgical Lens: Applying Erving Goffman's 'Theatre' metaphor. Christopher Moore's Circle of Conflict applied to complex disputes.
Module 3: Person-Centred Ethical Practice (45 min) Treating all parties as people with agency. Balancing competing interests while centring those most affected by the outcome.
Module 4: From Theory to Practice – The Craft of Outcomes (45 min) Strategic Skill Integration and using 'gentle challenge' to manage dysregulated parties. Drafting specific, measurable and enforceable outcome statements.
Module 5: Professional Integrity – Red Lines & Resilience (45 min) Ethical Red Lines: Navigating the boundary between facilitation and advocacy. Reflective Resilience: Identifying compassion fatigue, triggers, and personal biases.
Social Justice, Power and Process in Mediation
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Student Feedback
See what our students say about our courses
Outstanding course content and delivery. The practical examples really helped me understand complex concepts.
Sarah Thompson
Well-structured curriculum with excellent support materials. I was highly engaged throughout.
Michael Chen
The course format allows for great interaction and discussion. Highly recommend for professional development.
Emma Williams
Comprehensive coverage of key topics with real-world applications. Great learning experience.
David Brown
Course Authors
Bernie Harrison
Bernie Harrison is a specialist in mediation and conflict resolution, with extensive experience in navigating complex disputes across multiple contexts and supporting parties through transformative mediation processes.
Marilyn Webster
Marilyn Webster is dedicated to family mediation and training the next generation of mediators.