Transformative mediation

Abstract: As our field moves beyond the traditional dualism of mass and interpersonal forms of communication to encompass new, interactive, networked forms of communication whose influence may be traced across multiple spheres of modern life, it is commonly claimed that ‘everything is mediated’ and that this represents a historically significant change. This article inquires into these rhetorically grand claims, first noting the parallels with other processes of mediation (e.g. language, money, myths), second raising questions of value since, unlike for other forms of mediation, the media’s role is typically construed as negative than positive and, third observing that the difficulties of translating ‘mediation’ into a range of languages reveals some conceptual confusions. As a step towards clarification, I contrast the terms ‘mediation’ and ‘mediatization’, these roughly, mapping onto situational and historical influences, conceived primarily at micro and macro levels of analysis respectively. I then argue for a broad conception of mediation that encompasses those processes variously referred to as mediatization, mediazation or medialization. The analysis is illustrated by unpacking the claim that ‘childhood is mediated’, before concluding that distinct aspects of the concept of mediation invite communication scholars to attend to the specific empirical, historical and political implications of the claim that ‘everything is mediated’.

Abstract: Acknowledgments. Introduction. 1. The Mediation Field: An Overview and Four Stories. 2. A Transformative View of Conflict and Mediation. 3. Gaining Sight of the Goal of Transformation. 4. Putting Transformative Theory into Practice: The "Purple House" Mediation, with Commentary-Part One. 5. Putting Transformative Theory into Practice: The "Purple House" Mediation, with Commentary-Part Two. 6. Myths and Misconceptions About Transformative Mediation. 7. Paths Toward the Future: Living with Differences in Values and Practice. References. About the Authors. Index.

Abstract: Preface. Acknowledgments. Narrative Mediation: What Is It? Theoretical and Philosophical Issues in Narrative Mediation. A Narrative Model of Mediation. Entitlement. The Relational Context of Narrative Mediation. Disarming the Conflict. Opening Space. Building Momentum. Getting Unstuck. Documenting Progress. About the Authors. Index.

Abstract: This article aims to bridge a gap between social movement studies and media and communication studies. A conceptual framework is presented that integrates the political opportunity structure approach and the logics of contentious action with the concept of mediation. The author argues that mediation opportunity structure is a fruitful concept to encompass a wide variety of ways in which media and communication are relevant to protest and social movements. It refers to mainstream media representations of protest and movements, to movements ‘becoming the media’ and counterspinning, as well as to media and communication practices that constitute protest and resistance in their own right. The manifold articulations of mediation illustrate that media and communication are not merely relevant to the symbolic and discursive realms in which social movements operate, but that they are also instrumental and material to realizing their immediate goals. Activists are becoming more aware and conscious of the mediation opportunity structure, through their lay-knowledge of how the mainstream media and technologies operate, partially adapting to them or appropriating them. The nature and degree of mediation opportunities for activists and the structural constraints impeding the opportunities varies according to the type of protest logic that is being used.