Emotional Literacy for the iPod®Generation How Mobile Music Could Help in the Resolution of Conflict

Abstract

Con"ict resolution scholars are increasingly revising an earlier skepticism about the place of emotions in mediation. This view portrayed the mediator’s role as focusing on the rational and verbal. A more holistic approach recognizes the signi !cance of emotions in forming judgments and their positive contribution to the resolution of con"ict. This article considers the potential of mobile music in accessing the emotional realm. Millions of consumers of music can no longer be regarded as passive recipients, as mobile music devices enable them to take control of their listening and create the soundtrack to all aspects of their lives. The article suggests possible ways to harness this phenomenon to develop emotional literacy, critical to con"ict resolution and described by Goleman as “the master aptitude.”¹