Description
This paper reflects on the process behind the Alternative Security Review, a mixed methods approach to understanding citizens’ perception of security and insecurity. The paper situates itself in the field of Vernacular Security, which “focuses attention… on the experiences of people subject to, or governed by, security policy in quotidian and everyday sites such as homes, workplaces, and public spaces” (Lee, 2023).
The paper will offer two main contributions. Firstly methodologically, it will reflect on the mixed-method process of gaining the perspectives of those voices otherwise excluded from mainstream analysis, through asking questions not often considered in formalised security policymaking practice. Secondly, in relation to security discourse, it will ask to what extent these bottom up processes can impact elite-level policymaking. It will identify key methodological challenges and opportunities, and outline the value of the approach taken in providing insights into security discourse.
