Mazu on Top: The Role and Boundaries of Folk Beliefs in Dispute Mediation at the Grassroots Level

In the past, folk beliefs played a role in the governance of grassroots society. However, the decentralization of state power and advances in social modernization, as well as the rise of various problems producing grassroots conflicts and disputes, have led to a gradual decline in the role of folk beliefs in grassroots social governance. Nevertheless, the role of folk beliefs in the resolution of grassroots conflicts and disputes, as well as the mechanisms and boundaries of their application, are still an important issue warranting attention. Therefore, based on a study of the “Mazu Dispute Mediation Room” in Meizhou Town, the birthplace of Mazu folk beliefs in southeastern coastal China, this article explores the specific mechanisms and applicability boundaries of Mazu beliefs in resolving grassroots conflicts and disputes,

The findings of this study are as follows: (1) From a conceptual perspective, Mazu beliefs, guided by both moral and social norms, establish a common ground among the conflicting parties, reduce the intensity of conflicts, and effectively facilitate the resolution of disputes. Local folk beliefs effectively enter the field of conflict resolution through specific carriers and rituals. The “Mazu Dispute Mediation Room” creates a space for conflict resolution based on Mazu beliefs, laying a foundation of trust at the initial stage of mediation. On this basis, the timely “appearance” of Mazu beliefs inspires common social norms in the field and builds a foundation for consensus among the conflicting parties. (2) From the perspective of action, during mediation, the cultural influences and moral constraints of Mazu beliefs help the mediators reduce emotional opposition, thereby promoting consensus among the involved parties. On the one hand, the “back-to-back” strategy of first working separately with the parties during the early stages of dispute resolution reduces the degree of conflict between the two parties; on the other hand, participation by the “right” people in the mediation process helps to integrate the constraints of Mazu beliefs into local social and moral norms. Finally, under the dual guidance of the moral and social norms, the two sides will finally reach a consensus. (3) However, the role of folk beliefs in resolving conflicts has certain limitations. Folk beliefs need to work alongside formal mechanisms within specific belief environments to effectively complement the formal systems and successfully resolve complex conflicts and disputes.

The research contribution of this study is reflected at both the theoretical and practical levels. Theoretically, this study enriches our perspective on the role of folk beliefs in grassroots governance and reveals the process and mechanism by which folk beliefs contribute to resolving conflicts and disputes. It also points out that folk beliefs have their own boundaries of applicability. This finding expands our understanding of the diversified paths of grassroots social governance. In practice, the findings of this study can provide new ideas about grassroots conflict resolution, taking into account and utilizing the positive role of social norms in folk beliefs to resolve disputes.