Family mediation in France: a new profession has been established, but where are the clients?

Abstract

Family mediation was first introduced into France from Quebec in the late 1980s, and became established as a profession in France by the beginning of the twenty-first century. Throughout this period, as sociologists we were able to observe this group of professionals passing through various stages of development from the emergence of the new practice of mediation to its recognition as a profession via the creation of a national diploma in family mediation. The creation of a profession, in this case family mediation, can be considered from different angles: it reflects the general development of alternative dispute resolution devices and the diversification of responses to the difficulties encountered within the family sphere. It can also be analysed by taking into consideration the interests at stake and the strategies used by the professionals who promoted the new practice.

Keywords:

• mediation
• alternative dispute resolution
• ‘soft justice’
• family mediation as a profession