Samenvatting

The concept of security is mainly used in a negative way as it is related to the prevention and repression of matters which are perceived as not secure or not safe. This article provides a definition of positive security in order to provide a starting point for research and for working on positive security in the field. The influence of the belief in the idea of social engineering on the negative view of security is discussed and the way in which this is a hindrance to security. The meaning of the concept of security is outlined by focusing on the origin of this concept, the difference between objective and subjective security and by distinguishing it from the absence of crime. Research on public familiarity is covered which is argued to be an important concept in relation to positive security as it shows the importance of trust and predictability. The statement that trust is crucial to security is further supported by examining this relationship from a psychological perspective. In addition agency is introduced as the second factor, next to trust, as conditions for creating positive security. Finally, the focus is on the practical utility of the operationalisation of positive security for further research on the way positive security is shaped in practice.