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.
