Big Ideas Safe at home – who profits when you’re afraid of your neighbours?
May 29, 2025
Mark Maguire, an anthropology professor at Maynooth University, and Setha Low, a psychology and anthropology expert at CUNY, join sociologist Alex Vitale to discuss the troubling rise of 'security capitalism.' They explore how our fear of crime drives consumer behavior, creating a paradox where perceived safety yields increased anxiety and isolation, particularly in gated communities. The conversation questions the effectiveness of surveillance technologies and advocates for community-led safety solutions that foster social solidarity, dispelling the notion that more security equals less fear.
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Nairobi Attack Illustrates Security Fear
- Mark Maguire shares the Westgate shopping mall attack in Nairobi to illustrate deep fears leading to security obsession.
- The attacked mall symbolized consumerism's interior world that people desperately want to protect as a status symbol.
Security Capitalism Creates Unequal Risk
- Security capitalism pushes the risk away from the wealthy but increases risk for others.
- Status anxiety fuels ubiquitous security gadgets that often do not effectively reduce risk.
Gated Communities Breed Fear
- Gated communities create a cycle of fear where residents spot new threats continually.
- Instead of genuine security, these enclaves increase anxiety and reinforce suspicion of outsiders.