Institutional limitations and possible vectors of the development of mediation in Russia

Abstract

The object of this research is the socio-legal institution of mediation as an alternative dispute settlement procedure in Russia. The subject of this research is the peculiarities of development of this institution and their substantiation by the specificity of institutional implementation, as well as cultural-historical aspects of the Russian society. The author indicates that the longstanding efforts of enthusiasts with the support of government structures aimed at the development of mediation as a legal institution outside its social component (mediation as an assisting profession) appeared to be ineffective and even faced rejection of a considerable part of society, as its conceptual grounds on the foundation of law do not correspond with the cultural-historical matrix of Russia. Special attention is given to the peculiarities of the establishment of mediation as a social institution and assisting profession. The author concludes on the presence of basic institutional restrictions of the development of socio-legal institution of mediation in Russia, due to the absence of mediation mechanisms of development (according to A. S. Akhiezer). The novelty of this work consist in tracing the dynamics of institutional development of mediation in the context of social evolution of the Russian society. The author believes that successful development of mediation in Russia as a social institution and assisting profession is not only possible, but essential; first and foremost, school mediation combined with remedial practices, as an effective technique of helping families, including families with children, and as instruments for working with ethno-confessional conflicts.