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2018 | Book

Introduction Read chapter Read first chapter

The New Security

Individual, Community and Cultural Experiences

Author: Dr. Helen Forbes-Mewett

Publisher: Palgrave Macmillan UK

Book Series : Crime Prevention and Security Management

Part of: Springer Professional "Wirtschaft+Technik" , Springer Professional "Technik"

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About this book

The New Security places the concept of ‘security’ under the spotlight to analyse its meaning in an original and contemporary context. In so doing, Forbes-Mewett revisits the notion from the perspectives of individuals and communities to understand what security means in our culturally diverse, contemporary society. Chapters highlight the extent of the shift of traditional uses of the term from the established perspective of international relations to a more commonly used concept which now broadly relates to many aspects of peoples’ everyday experiences.
Based on empirical studies of security in relation to housing, employment, food, personal security and campus settings in times of perceived heightened risk, this book presents new and different ways of thinking about security to demonstrate how we need to expand the dialogue surrounding the concept. Drawing on empirical research to describe, analyse and reposition the concept of security to have meaning in diverse everyday contexts, this methodological and insightful text will be of particular interest to scholars and students of criminological theory, security studies and sociology.

Table of Contents

Frontmatter
1. Introduction
Abstract
This chapter introduces the notion of ‘The New Security’ and explains the impetus for the book. The conceptual analysis of the notion of a new security is based on existing literature. Tribute is paid to previous work on the topic and the conceptual shift of the notion of security to a broader application is acknowledged. Five principles are identified as key to what is considered ‘the new security’. The nature of the research undertaken for the case studies that form the basis of the empirical chapters is defined and the remaining chapters of the book are outlined.
Helen Forbes-Mewett
2. Security Redefined
Abstract
This chapter presents a conceptual analysis of security that includes several major perspectives such as: international relations and ‘security’ as an abstract concept, encompassing the subfield of security studies; economic and human security; psychological security; and security from a sociological perspective. The chapter begins by demonstrating that ‘security’ is definable in an abstract sense and argues that definition is necessary before proceeding to explore the various dimensions of the term. A broad analysis provides the framework for the book and for the concept of ‘the new security’. The notion of the new security as a right is also considered as well as the influences on security needs pertaining to culture, religion and relocation.
Helen Forbes-Mewett
3. Campus Security
Abstract
This chapter looks at the provision of campus security across the United States (US), the United Kingdom (UK) and Australia. Specific sections are dedicated to each country and new contexts and associated challenges facing campus security are explored. The multi-site case study is based on interviews with campus police, security personnel and other key informers to explore the different approaches and levels of campus security. The chapter includes information about campus security responses to contemporary national and international incidents and risks. Evidence suggests that campuses in Australia may be moving towards the levels and models of security provided in the UK and the US. The provision of campus security is shown to be changing in response to increasing contemporary risks and different student populations.
Helen Forbes-Mewett
4. Campus Security: Australian Case Study
Abstract
This chapter presents a case study of policing on one large metropolitan university campus in the Australian state of Victoria. Victoria police identified the university campus environment as an ideal setting to interact with students to break down barriers and fear of police. The policing program aimed to enhance the safety, security and well-being of the university community, and ultimately wider social cohesion. The study links police and the university to present empirical findings to inform best practice. The study presents insights into a new Police on Campus Program that has the potential to change the way Australians tend to think about safety and security in university environments. In this chapter, it is shown how a proactive and collaborative approach to on-campus policing can build positive student-police and wider community relationships.
Helen Forbes-Mewett
5. Employment Security
Abstract
This chapter presents a case study of a coastal town in the Australian state of Queensland. Renamed ‘Utopia’ for the purposes of the study, the town provides the setting to explore the topic of employment security. Residents of Utopia shared their views on what it meant to have secure employment and how their lives were impacted by its absence. At the time of the interviews the town was expecting a largescale transnational company to build an alumina refinery that had the potential to provide work for local people. Within this context, the chapter considers the notion of the mobile worker, the role of unions and the views of company representatives. The study showed that those living in Utopia were often faced with difficulty in obtaining employment security. The circumstances relating to employment are shown to contribute to the concept of the new security.
Helen Forbes-Mewett
6. International Student Housing Security
Abstract
This chapter looks at the contemporary problem of housing large numbers of international students who have moved to a host country to undertake tertiary education. While additional student housing on or near campuses has become available over recent years, international students tend to choose cheaper options off-campus in private accommodation settings where their safety and security is at greater risk. Focussing on Australia, the United Kingdom and the United States of America, the chapter considers issues relating to finding and choosing accommodation. It also reveals the link between accommodation and international student security. The problems of alcohol consumption, domestic violence, poor treatment by landlords, and students subletting to other students are also discussed. The chapter confirms that safe and affordable housing is a key element of the new security.
Helen Forbes-Mewett
7. Food Security: The Liverpool Plains
Abstract
Rarely is the global concern of food security considered in terms of developed countries. This chapter links food security to Chinese foreign direct investment in the Liverpool Plains in the New South Wales state of Australia. Known as ‘Australia’s Food Bowl’, the Liverpool Plains produces well above the national average of agricultural outputs to provide for both Australia and an expansive international market. The case-study draws on in-depth interviews with farmers in the Liverpool Plains region to provide insights to the impact of foreign direct investment on food security in Australia. The study reveals a threat to food security in Australia through Chinese acquisition of farmland for mining purposes.
Helen Forbes-Mewett
8. International Students and Food Security
Abstract
Students living in a foreign environment and the availability of culturally appropriate food is the topic of this chapter. The study considers the desire of diverse cultural groups to have access to familiar food and the security that comes from sharing food with family and friends. In-depth interviews with individuals concerned with accessing culturally appropriate food provided the empirical material for this chapter. For students living away from family networks, food security tends to be associated with cultural and social capital. The study reveals that students and parents give little thought to food security when relocating to a foreign environment and consequently students often found it difficult to access culturally suitable food.
Helen Forbes-Mewett
9. Personal Security
Abstract
This chapter presents various notions of personal security. Qualitative survey data from undergraduate university students in Australia indicate that personal security comes in many forms. The data reveal what security means from an individual and personal standpoint and ideas about people’s agency in retaining their personal security. Diverse sources of security depended on individual and social circumstances. Subjective and objective elements of personal security are discussed before presenting five broad aspects including physical security, material and financial security, security relating to social relationships, cultural security and institutional security.
Helen Forbes-Mewett
10. Conclusion
Abstract
This chapter reviews and brings together the preceding chapter topics to present a vision of what can now be considered ‘the new security’. The security literature is briefly summarised before presenting an overview of each of the case studies, which relate to themes of campus security, employment security, housing security, food security and personal security. The chapter succinctly informs the reader of the many and various forms of security that are now desirable and in many cases necessary to enable individuals and communities to live in contemporary society.
Helen Forbes-Mewett
Correction to: The New Security
Helen Forbes-Mewett
Backmatter
Metadata
Title
The New Security
Author
Dr. Helen Forbes-Mewett
Copyright Year
2018
Electronic ISBN
978-1-137-59102-9
Print ISBN
978-1-137-59101-2
DOI
https://doi.org/10.1057/978-1-137-59102-9