Social conflicts are an inevitable aspect of societal coexistence and, when approached constructively, can even be beneficial. In particular, when individuals are in crisis situations, they often lack the resources for constructive conflict resolution. Therefore, the research focus on "Dealing with Social Conflicts" aims both to descriptively ascertain how social conflicts are handled in society and to normatively evaluate them, thereby identifying constructive approaches for managing these conflicts. Given the challenges associated with the empirical study of mediation processes, established collaborations are of central importance in this research area: on one hand, several practice partners are professionally engaged in mediation and social conflicts and are integrated into the teaching and research at EHB; on the other hand, strong contacts exist with relevant associations (e.g., BAFM and BM) that can be utilized for research and transfer activities.

• What is a social conflict?
• How do conflict dynamics arise?
• What types of conflicts can be distinguished?
• What intercultural differences exist in handling social conflicts?
• How can conflicts be addressed constructively?
• Which communication techniques have a de-escalating effect?
• What structures and institutions does society offer for dealing with social conflicts?
• How can the success of mediation processes be measured?

For research and transfer activities in this research area, the following colleagues from EHB can be contacted:

• Peschke, Angelika (Chair of Civil Law, particularly Family Law / Child and Youth Welfare Law): angelika.peschke@eh-berlin.de
• Rafi, Anusheh (Chair of Civil Law): anusheh.rafi@eh-berlin.de
• Schniederjahn, Nina (Guest Lecturer, Department "Law and Society"): nina.schniederjahn@eh-berlin.de

The following research and transfer projects have already been realized in this research area at EHB:

• Research on family mediation, particularly regarding separation and divorce (Rafi)
• The rhetoric of understanding (Rafi)
• Conflict resolution in Muslim communities in Berlin (Rafi)