Human Security Concept as Analytical Framework for Examining Urban Security

Đurić, Slađana and Paraušić, Ana (2017) Human Security Concept as Analytical Framework for Examining Urban Security. In: 3rd International Conference on Human Security. Faculty of Security Studies, Belgrade, pp. 113-121. ISBN 978-86-80144-09-2

Text Human Security Concept as Analytical Framework for Examining Urban Security.pdf - Published Version Available under License Creative Commons Attribution Non-commercial No Derivatives. Download (2MB)

Abstract

Human Security concept begins with a question: “How much is the human as an individual secure and free?” Th is concept is based on the assumption that people (not a state) are main security objects, and that satisfaction of human needs, empowering personal integrity and well-being are main goals. Urban security relates to a wide range of threats to individuals in urban areas, as well as prevention and protection strategies and mechanisms. Key idea of the concept is that cities are complex formations and that, even if they represent the epicentre of life, they could also be a source of danger to its citizen. Objective of this paper is to examine explanatory potential of Human Security concept as analytical framework for studying and explaining urban security numerous phenomena. For that purpose, we want to examine how people-centred approach in previous research was applied in investigating urban security challenges. Based on extensive analysis of research studies in the past decade, as well as on our own research experience in application of this model in several city municipalities in Serbia, we have identifi ed several important advantages which can be achieved by applying Human Security concept in examining complex dimensions of urban security. Th e most important advantage is related to the fact that broad and holistic Human Security concept, compared to other research approaches, enables widening of the research focus that may include: environmental security, personal and physical security, economic and social safety, political non-discrimination. In numerous studies based on Human Security concept, problems of hunger, diseases, natural disasters, which in reality take more lives than wars, genocide an terrorism all together, have been examined. Also, this approach has potential to explain other urban security problems: poverty, diff erent forms of discrimination and exclusion, access to education, employment and health care. Th e idea of personalizing the security, which is basis of the Human Security, provides changing focus from a state (as a referent security object), towards more narrow social environment – local community (village, city, region).Th e context of the local community ensures the proper consideration of the problems that citizens face in the most direct way. As a people-centred concept, human security places the individual at the centre of analysis. Th is comprehensive analytical tool allows scholars to cover such urban environment problems directed to individuals as sociospatial segregation, discrimination, social exclusion, crime and violence. Th e Human Security approach to urban environment research provides not only complex assessment of the security level, but also the basis for creating effective reactive and preventive programmes. Human Security indicators assessment in urban environment requires improved methods which should provide creation of comprehensive empirical database. Th rough the adequate analytical model, the security level of diff erent spheres of everyday life could be observed and examined. In general, this research model could be further developed as a basic research approach and adapted towards the specific needs and life conditions of the observed communities (political instability, conflict and post-conflict environment, discrimination of social groups, underdevelopment, the so-called urban problems domination, etc.).

Actions (login required)

View Item