Security, surveillance and citizenship

The rise of delinquency is partly related to the evolution of lifestyles and the erosion of “strong” ties on a local scale. This erosion is an integral part of the city and urban life, insofar as it frees individuals from the social control exercised by their neighbourhood communities.

In response to these changes, various forms of surveillance and ways of ensuring security have developed. Many raise questions and trigger debates, concerning the growing role of private security companies, the development of remote surveillance systems and the targeting of social behaviours identified as a risk, video-surveillance, or systems to bring back neighbourhood surveillance.

The Chair examines these developments by considering the way they affect the relations between institutions and citizens.

Head of research : Anaïk Purenne

Associate researchers : Bilel Benbouzid, Julie-Anne Boudreau, Anne Wuilleumier