Human security in a divided city: Urban security divide as a tool for human security-oriented research and policies

Abstract

Besides being the sites of economic development, centres of social mobility and cultural creativity, cities are also places marked by inequalities and divisions along a range of axes, including class, race, ethnicity, gender, generation, as well as security. The paper`s goal is to present the urban security divide, as an analytical tool for exploring divisions in human security in the city, which stem from the unequal levels of access to security service and/or readiness of security actors to provide the service. The concept is based on the assumption that security, like some other services in the city, is a common good, a resource that should be equally or universally available to city dwellers. Its absence or presence can be an indicator of spatial inequality and division. Additional to the description of the concept, the author will try to suggest the conceptual framework for urban security divide analysis through the lens of the seven dimensions of human security. The urban security divide could be seen beyond its theoretical or methodological usage, but also as a practical tool for urban security policies whose goals would be to narrow the differences in human insecurities and inequalities in urban areas.