Russell, Gregory, authorChamp, Joseph, advisorChristen, Cindy, committee memberCarcasson, Martin, committee member2007-01-032007-01-032013http://hdl.handle.net/10217/79139This study is concerned with establishing a theoretical framework of mediation that provides an applicable strategy for mediating antagonistic societal groups. Drawing from a variety of fields, including conflict resolution, structuralism/post-structuralism, social psychology, and political science, this interdisciplinary approach attempts to create novel forms of positive communication where communication does not currently exist by exploring the ways in which partisanship shapes belief systems into seemingly exhaustive wholes. Arising from an exploration of intersubjective epistemological claims, a theoretical groundwork of functional communication is rendered and ventures into post-structuralist conceptions of discourse. The researcher imposes himself as a third party mediator upon pro-life and pro-choice cultures in an attempt to compel members of these respective groups to cooperate with one another where they can, specifically in supporting low-income women facing a crisis pregnancy. Data was collected via in-depth qualitative interviews from partisan members on both sides of the abortion debate.born digitalmasters thesesengCopyright and other restrictions may apply. User is responsible for compliance with all applicable laws. For information about copyright law, please see https://libguides.colostate.edu/copyright.conflict resolutionabortion debatebelief systemsdiscoursemediationvalue weavingText