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Ethical/Societal Dimension Topic 1: Factors affecting (in-) security

 

Specific challenge:

Security has been defined as a subjective phenomenon that changes within society. Information on people's understanding of security issues (e. g. crime, terrorism, natural or man-made disasters), their perception of security as well as the relevant facts about the risks and dangers they face, and perceive may vary according to the level of assessment, be it public or personal (individual). Furthermore, people's feelings of insecurity and their perception of the importance of security can be different in diverse demographic groups. Persons who are amongst best protected and most secure in the society are likely to have expectations of security much higher than poorer, less protected persons.

Scope:

The proposal, taking into account past and on-going EU research, should be based on real life examples and address factors affecting the perception of personal (individual) (in)security as well as (in)security perception in spontaneous and more structured groups. Furthermore, this action should aim at collecting and analysing data assessing the elements that influence individual and the group's perception of (in)security. Tools necessary to reduce public and personal perception of insecurity should be examined. Proposers are also encouraged to focus on different demographic groups in order to verify how aspects such as: gender, age, income, occupation, education or kind of a lifestyle, affects the feeling of (in-) security. Furthermore, the anthropological dimension should also be considered.

Expected impact:

The project should aim at:

-          Elaborating a number of priority areas and suggestions for policy makers in order to improve the perception of security within targeted groups.

-          Identification of different factors influencing public (group) and personal (individual) assessment of (in)security. 

-          Improving overall strategic security policy making.

-          Better understanding of how demographic background influences the feeling of (in)security.

 

The action is expected to proactively target the needs and requirements of users, such as security planners and policy makers working at different levels.

Type of action: Coordination and Support Actions