Using the example of surveillance, discuss the ways in which social welfare and crime control are entangled.
Today’s surveillance plays an integral role in delivering both crime control and social welfare. The aim of surveillance is to provide us with a feeling of safety and protection in everyday social and community settings. Surveillance can include CCTV, security guards, uniformed officers and various healthcare professionals and may be perceived as a threat as well as a protection. Using evidence from the films Introducing Surveillance and Safeguarding children, it is possible to identify and discuss the ways in which social welfare and crime control are entangled. An introduction – but do discuss key term after the introduction.
In other words – now discuss what is meant by surveillance, welfare, control and this notion of ‘entanglements’?
The Government’s responsibility over welfare provides us as a society with universal services, which are in place to provide social care, support and filter families and individuals upwards. To where? Drawing from the film Safeguarding children, an example of a universal service is the Baby Café. This service is available for all expectant or new mothers, as a place of refuge, support and guidance. However, universal services like this offer an opportunity for practitioners to watch over children and parents and identify any problems early on And of course – the interesting thin here is how problems are being defined and by whom That may be something that families welcome, but it may also be a way in which surveillance is exercised over families and services and provision directed towards them, in a way that is not necessarily what they wish for (Film, Safeguarding Children). This entanglement of surveillance can feel like an intrusion into people’s lives if not handled in a sensitive professional manner, appearing as controlling more than supporting. Indeed – in this example is surveillance covert? Are the mums...