Gender and Cultural Issues

Each mediation has a unique character that is influenced by the cultural perspectives of the parties. Different perspectives can hinder an agreement, most notably when the participants' views substantially differ on such fundamental issues as group interdependence or individual autonomy. As mediators, we remain alert to individual and group influences when those factors might influence the mediation process, and we help surmount cultural and gender barriers in order to get the parties closer to agreement.

Some parties in a dispute may be highly individualistic, placing the highest value on the interests of the individual. Others in the dispute may place greater value on the needs of a larger group, even when it means foregoing a personal benefit. These dynamics are most evident in the political arena, where one political party places its greatest emphasis on the needs of the individual, whereas the other political party places greater emphasis on the needs of the entire society. Similar dynamics are also seen in groups that focus on the interests of only one gender, and not both.

• Disputes can arise when one culture does not address the needs or interests of another culture, or when a group of people from different cultures try to negotiate an important issue together....

• Disputes can arise when the issue relates to something of extreme importance to one gender, but has not even been identified by the other....

It is our job as skilled mediators to get these diverse interest to the same table, and help them arrive at mutually beneficial solutions.

If you're involved in such a dispute, or if you think you may need to see if cultural issues might be blocking progress, we invite you to give us a call. We have the skill, training and understanding to help break deadlocks, identify mutual interests, and improve relationships as we help you work toward a realistic solution.