The mutual encouragement of the fear of crime and the security industry: The example of film narratives and electronic home security systems

Abstract

In a culture of fear, everyday life is experienced through the feeling of safety, part of which can be secured through certain electronic home security systems. Three films – Unlawful Entry (1992), Panic Room (2002) and When a Stranger Calls (2006) – will be used as examples in the attempt to consider the relationship between the fear of criminal activity – in this case break ins – and electronic home security systems. The basic premise of the research is that the culturally manufactured fear encourages the electronic home security system industry, the presence of which can, in turn, exasperate one’s fear of the risk of falling victim to violent crime.