Security and matter have been of particular interest to sociologists for many years as they seek to discuss and examine the impact of material 'things' and the part they play in making our social worlds secure or insecure. When describing the term 'matter' this can be anything that carries a physical component such as a person or an object; any item that can be touched or used. Security is termed by feelings of being safe and free from threat, so how do these two components of matter and security link together? The aim of this paper is to highlight the part that matter plays in determining whether social worlds are deemed secure or insecure. Within this an overview will be included to show key concepts and theories. Various questions will
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Due to our observations of these material devices we consciously monitor our behaviours-moulding and changing them. Foucalt's example of panopticism is shown by a tower, within which stands a central observation tower. A supervisor is then placed in the central tower to observe and becomes seen via axial visibility but not seen with lateral invisibility due to the layout of the tower walls. Individuals held such as prisoners, patients or even school children are therefore made aware of such surveillance. Foucault (1977) cited in Watson (2008) describes this as "surveillance that is permanent in its effects, even if it is discontinuous in its action". With the watchful eye present the risk of violence, chatter or disruption is minimal due to the functioning power inflicted over each individual. As a result the institution becomes safer and more secure similarly, such happens to the streets in the UK and Johannesburg where CCTV is installed.
Panopticism and it's strengths are prominent in CCTV where the panoptic gaze instills self-regulation and conceived protection. However, CCTV isn't forever watchful but gives the impression that people are constantly observed. Along with this conceived idea that we are all being watched brings about reformulation of rules and social norms, thus deterring deviant behaviours. CCTV and its material component shows how, as individuals, and within our social worlds we can feel secure once
Due to our observations of these material devices we consciously monitor our behaviours-moulding and changing them. Foucalt's example of panopticism is shown by a tower, within which stands a central observation tower. A supervisor is then placed in the central tower to observe and becomes seen via axial visibility but not seen with lateral invisibility due to the layout of the tower walls. Individuals held such as prisoners, patients or even school children are therefore made aware of such surveillance. Foucault (1977) cited in Watson (2008) describes this as "surveillance that is permanent in its effects, even if it is discontinuous in its action". With the watchful eye present the risk of violence, chatter or disruption is minimal due to the functioning power inflicted over each individual. As a result the institution becomes safer and more secure similarly, such happens to the streets in the UK and Johannesburg where CCTV is installed.
Panopticism and it's strengths are prominent in CCTV where the panoptic gaze instills self-regulation and conceived protection. However, CCTV isn't forever watchful but gives the impression that people are constantly observed. Along with this conceived idea that we are all being watched brings about reformulation of rules and social norms, thus deterring deviant behaviours. CCTV and its material component shows how, as individuals, and within our social worlds we can feel secure once