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This study is about the content and meaning of social and cross-cultural mediation. It is based on an analysis of both professional and non-professional practices, viewed in the light of theorization and conceptualization taken from the social and human sciences, in particular, social psychology, cultural anthropology, and psychoanalysis. The author stresses the progressive institutionalization and codification of mediating activity which has been going on since the mid-1970’s, and their inclusion in professional groups known as « new ». The aim of such groups is to facilitate and regulate social life, dealing with tension and conflict by diverse means, but always with respect for deontology and the cardinal values of liberal democratic society. The mediator’s professional identity has been constructed in tandem with both the refinement and structuring of models of mediation, and the diversification of the demographic and cultural components of our society.