Mediaciòn: Alternativa para la resoluciòn de conflictos
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While a North American book on ADR might begin with the benefits of mediation to the court system (in time and expense) or to the litigants (in mutual gain), Prof. Castanedo widens the lens, asking readers to focus on its benefit to society. This is not an ideological opportunity, but rather a straightforward, compelling discussion of the impact of conflict on a society, e.g., conflicts in the workplace disrupt family and neighborhood relations, which in turn affect the health of the entire community. The book analyzes in some depth the nature of conflict, its complexities arising from personal histories and individual needs, added to the external factors of co-existence with other human beings and the demands imposed by rules and laws. At no point does Castanedo portray conflict as social deviancy or, for that matter, mediation as a social panacea. He seeks instead to have readers reflect on conflict so as to understand how they themselves may better achieve their own remedies, or, if necessary, seek a third-party neutral to help them accomplish the same goal.
For those wishing to utilize mediation in their professional work or become mediators themselves, the book also presents a step-by-step plan for conducting a mediation, and techniques to overcome impasses and handle highly charged emotional situations. Castanedo concludes with a section on language, providing comparative "positive" and "negative" language samples and explaining how each effects conflict dynamics. His examples and explanations are particularly thoughtful, and provide a very satisfying ending to the book.
Prof. Castanedo began teaching mediation at the Universidad de La Habana law faculty in 1994 and has since established a mediation clinic at the University. His mediators are not exclusively law students or practicing attorneys -- in fact the majority have had mental health training. The key for Castanedo, as his book demonstrates, is the ability of mediators, whatever their background, to understand the dynamics of conflict, to restructure communication channels of disputing parties and to prompt an exchange information so that the parties themselves end their dispute with satisfaction. Castanedo has observed and researched various mediation programs in the United States, and has conducted mediation trainings in Mexico and Spain. In short, his experience is expansive, and his advice sound.
For those interested, this book may be ordered through The Center for Cuban Studies, (212) 242-0559.
Biography
Prof. Castanedo began teaching mediation at the Universidad de La Habana law faculty in 1994 and has since established a mediation clinic at the University. His mediators are not exclusively law students or practicing attorneys -- in fact the majority have had mental health training. The key for Castanedo, as his book demonstrates, is the ability of mediators, whatever their background, to understand the dynamics of conflict, to restructure communication channels of disputing parties and to prompt an exchange information so that the parties themselves end their dispute with satisfaction.
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