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Introduction: Sociology and the Privatization of Security

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Book cover The Sociology of Privatized Security

Abstract

This volume seeks to reconsider the sociology of security, paying particular attention to the changing ways in which security shifts from public to private control. This introduction is intended to extend the individual arguments of the contributors’ chapters in order to make a general case for more sociological engagement with this important but often elusive development. We first ask why anyone needs a sociology of security, then consider the ways in which privatized security intersects with key sociological interests, and finally conclude with brief summaries of the chapters.

I am an American, fighting in the forces which guard my country and our way of life… I will never forget that I am an American, fighting for freedom, responsible for my actions, and dedicated to the principles which made my country free.

—From Code of Conduct for members of the Armed Forces of the United States, U.S. Department of Defense

We deploy willingly worldwide to the most remote and dangerous regions, leveraging our unique skill set in support of our customer’s missions… We take responsibility for our performance legally and ethically. We have a diverse Board of Directors that provides oversight and guidance to best serve our customers.

—From Guiding Principles, Academi

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Authors and Affiliations

  1. Royal Danish Defence College, Copenhagen, Denmark

    Thomas Crosbie

  2. Department of Sociology, Anthropology, & Social Work, Texas Tech University, Lubbock, TX, USA

    Ori Swed

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  1. Thomas Crosbie
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  2. Ori Swed
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Correspondence to Thomas Crosbie .

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Editors and Affiliations

  1. Department of Sociology, Anthropology, & Social Work, Texas Tech University, Lubbock, TX, USA

    Ori Swed

  2. Royal Danish Defence College, Copenhagen, Denmark

    Thomas Crosbie

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Crosbie, T., Swed, O. (2019). Introduction: Sociology and the Privatization of Security. In: Swed, O., Crosbie, T. (eds) The Sociology of Privatized Security. Palgrave Macmillan, Cham. https://doi.org/10.1007/978-3-319-98222-9_1

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  • DOI: https://doi.org/10.1007/978-3-319-98222-9_1

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  • Publisher Name: Palgrave Macmillan, Cham

  • Print ISBN: 978-3-319-98221-2

  • Online ISBN: 978-3-319-98222-9

  • eBook Packages: Social SciencesSocial Sciences (R0)

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