Problem of Not Having a Problem

We are now at a stage where academics dread to be. The empirical research described above indicates that our research subjects did not, as a general rule, perceive surveillance as a problem. Or, if they do, they don t do anything about it (Stalder, 2002). Our problem at this stage is, therefore, that we appear not to have a problem. Given that the research started out with the assumption that surveillance is a deeply problematic practice, this jeopardises our entire approach. The following section will, therefore, attempt to do two things that should allow us to carry the research forward. First, it will discuss the literature on why surveillance may be useful. The text then identifies why it is held to be problematic by other authors. In the second part, it will attempt to reconcile the two different views. It will put forward suggestions that should explain why, despite some of the good reasons to be found in the literature for why surveillance is not a good thing, it is not perceived as problematic by people who are exposed to it. This should prepare the ground for the conclusion where we intend to suggest avenues for addressing the discrepancy.

This section will discuss why surveillance is described as a problem. In order to get to the bottom of this question, it will start out by recounting the reason for the practice. It will then briefly discuss the concept of privacy, which is closely related to surveillance. Finally, it will review the literature regarding arguments against surveillance.