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Mediation (Sociology)
A nonbinding intervention between two or more parties facilitated through the active participation of a neutral third party (mediator) to promote agreement, reconciliation, settlement, compromise, or resolution of a dispute. Mediation is often used as an alternative to litigation in labor disputes, contracts, civil damages, domestic relations (e.g., divorce, custody, visitation), and workplace and international conflicts and may be ordered by a judge. The mediator must be viewed as impartial and is trained to facilitate dialogue and resolution between the disputants. Participants, likewise, must understand mediation to be voluntary, collaborative, and confidential for it to be effective.