Explaining the Relationship Between the Sense of Security and Abnormality: A Case Study of Khorramshahr Citizens
Subject Areas : Research on Iranian social issues
Ebrahim Mirzaei
1
,
Abouzar Kaseminezhad
2
,
javad jehangirzadeh
3
1 - Assistant Professor, Department of Sociology, Payam Noor University, Iran.
2 - Assistant Professor of Social Work, Faculty of Social Sciences, Semnan University, Semnan, Iran.
3 - Assistant Professor, Department of Sociology, Faculty of Literature and Human Sciences, Urmia University, Urmia, Iran.
Keywords: Abnormality, Khorramshahr, Sense of security, Social trust.,
Abstract :
The precedence of collective interests over individual interests, along with the establishment of interactions, relationships, and a regulatory framework overseeing cooperation and conflicts within society, is an essential requirement for achieving public order, security, and justice. These objectives are primarily realized through collective phenomena such as official norms, which are enforced through executive guarantees and obligations. Social norms govern individual behaviors, interpersonal interactions, and intergroup relations across all levels of society, thereby determining the rights and duties of individuals in carrying out various tasks and establishing the equitable distribution of responsibilities and privileges. When the elements of social order and the actors within society fail to adhere to legal directives, the stability of the social system and the harmony between its components are compromised, leading to disorder and disarray. In such cases, a disconnect between individuals and the societal norms and values that underpin social order occurs, resulting in deviant behaviors and lawlessness (Kalantari et al., 2005). The consequence of neglecting societal order and norms is the trivialization of crime, its subsequent spread, and the negative impact on both welfare and social development. Addressing norm-avoidance, law-avoidance, and crime seriously can reflect a high level of social cohesion, reduce the need for social surveillance, and consequently lower the crime rate within society. Khorramshahr, a city in Khuzestan province, has been directly affected by an imposed war lasting for eight years. Situated along the border with Iraq, it shares complex economic and social relations, as well as ethnic and linguistic diversity. The city has undergone significant transformations due to the forces of modernity, which have triggered profound changes in various societal sectors. The manifestation and repercussions of these shifts are closely linked to the rise of social harm, lawlessness, and a diminished sense of security (Bakharaei, 2021; Bayat, 2019). In light of these complex dynamics, this study explores the current state of abnormality in Khorramshahr, focusing on lawlessness and its contributing factors. Key questions addressed in the research include: what is the current state of abnormality, with an emphasis on lawlessness, in Khorramshahr, and what underlying factors contribute to it? How does the feeling of security influence abnormal behavior within the population of Khorramshahr? Lastly, what strategies can be implemented to address these issues and improve the situation, leading to a more secure and orderly society?
Keywords: Abnormality, Khorramshahr, Sense of security, Social trust.
Methods
This study is a descriptive-explanatory research study employing a primarily quantitative survey method to collect data from a real-world setting. Given that the study is a survey, it was designed to explore and analyze the relationship between the research variables and abnormality among citizens over the age of eighteen residing in Khoramshahr city. The sample size was calculated with a confidence level of 96% and a margin of error of 4%, through proportional sampling. A total of 380 individuals were selected for the sample. To ensure the questionnaire was appropriately adapted to the specific environmental context, a random distribution was done among 60 individuals from the target population. Cronbach’s alpha was used to assess the reliability, with all variables exceeding 70%.
Findings
Regarding the main variable of the study, the feeling of security, the respondents reported a low average score of 2.4, with an overall score of 60.6, indicating a low sense of security. As for the feeling of justice and social trust, respondents reported average scores. In contrast, the feeling of anomie was rated as high. Concerning the dependent variable, the results indicate that the abnormality rate was high, with a score of 2.3. Among the independent variables in the model, the sense of security (-0.528) had the largest contribution in explaining abnormality, confirming the central hypothesis of the research. The coefficient of determination (R²) associated with abnormality was found to be 0.20, suggesting that the variables included in the model accounted for 20% of the variance in the dependent variable. The F2 effect coefficients for the variables of sense of security, sense of anomie, sense of justice, and social trust about abnormality were 0.214, 0.189, 0.091, and 0.194, respectively. Except for the sense of justice, which had a weak effect, the contributions of the remaining independent variables were considered favorable according to the desired criteria. By examining the coefficients derived from the relationships between the independent and dependent variables, it was found that abnormality was significantly related to the feeling of security, confirming the main hypothesis of the research. Additionally, the variables of feeling of anomie and social trust were also found to be related to abnormality, confirming their respective hypotheses.
Discussion and Conclusion
Social order is fundamental to the smooth operation and progress of any society. It not only serves as the goal that societies work towards but also as how they strive to achieve collective prosperity and well-being. The mechanisms that enforce social order ensure the regulation of individual and collective behaviors, creating a stable environment where societal development can flourish. A central determinant in the preservation of social order is the sense of security felt by individuals. The sense of security is crucial because it provides individuals with peace of mind and assures them that their well-being is protected. This stability extends to the broader social environment, ensuring that the societal system functions cohesively. When this sense of security is compromised, it leads to a breakdown in social order and an increase in behaviors that deviate from established norms.
The findings of this study are significant in that they suggest that demographic factors, such as gender and marital status, do not have a substantial impact on abnormal behaviors. This implies that these personal characteristics are not directly correlated with deviations from social expectations. Instead, the study highlights a more profound relationship between variables such as the sense of security, social justice, social anomie, and social trust, with abnormal behaviors. This relationship underscores the importance of ensuring a sense of security as a foundation for social stability, as individuals who feel secure are less likely to engage in deviant behaviors. Moreover, the study's results align with previous research conducted by Rajabi Farjad & Shayegan (2019) and Nouri et al. (2019), which reinforces the idea that a secure society is a less deviant society.
Despite the significance of these findings, the presence of abnormal behaviors and the disruption of social order indicate deeper systemic issues, including the collapse of normative systems and the rise of social anomie. This disintegration results in individuals acting based on self-interest rather than collective welfare, leading to social fragmentation. When social roles are performed irregularly, and rights and duties are not delineated, the overall framework of public order is destabilized. Such a state of instability undermines the sense of social cohesion and collective consensus, which are essential for maintaining social order. The implications of these findings are clear. A multi-faceted approach is required to address the complex challenges of restoring social order. First, security institutions, both governmental and non-governmental, must adopt transparent and fair strategies to address anomalies in society. This requires both technological and human-centered solutions to address imbalances and inequalities within the community. Furthermore, equitable distribution of resources should be prioritized, as this would reduce feelings of powerlessness among marginalized groups and increase their engagement in societal processes. By promoting greater inclusion and participation, a sense of collective responsibility and social security can be fostered. Moreover, cultural development programs that educate the public about the importance of legal norms and social justice can contribute to the normalization of these values across society. By fostering an understanding of the universal applicability of these norms, individuals can internalize them and adopt them as personal principles. This would lead to a more cohesive society where adherence to social norms becomes a shared value. The empowerment of civil society institutions is also crucial in bridging the gap between citizens and the state. These institutions can act as mediators between the government and the people, ensuring that laws are seen as tools for promoting societal welfare rather than instruments of political control. Additionally, the role of mass media cannot be overlooked in this process. By educating citizens about societal expectations, legal rights, and social responsibilities, mass media can help create an informed public that is better equipped to engage in lawful behavior and contribute to the maintenance of social order. Through consistent legal education, media outlets can also influence public perceptions of laws and the justice system, promoting a culture of respect for legal norms and reducing the prevalence of deviant behaviors. In conclusion, the study highlights the crucial role of security, justice, and social cohesion in maintaining social order. Addressing these factors comprehensively and simultaneously can lead to long-term stability. By promoting security, justice, and cultural development, societies can navigate the complexities of modern challenges and build a more harmonious, resilient, and just social structure. This, in turn, would enable societies to achieve sustainable progress, where the rights and duties of individuals are respected, and social harmony is preserved for future generations.
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