Coexisting when living next door: The agreements neighbors make in mediation

Abstract

How do neighbors reconcile their differences in mediated agreements? Based on a content analysis of agreements from a mediation project in housing associations, our study outlines the characteristics of mediated agreements in conflicts between neighbors in rented apartments. This study demonstrates how neighbors pursue neutral coexistence by taking steps to regulate their future behavior and communication and to manage future conflicts. We suggest that the agreements can be labeled interaction agreements and that these are conceptually different from other types of agreements. Our analysis also points to the inherent risk of mediation contributing to an individualization of structural and collective problems.