Capturing Security: A Photovoice Study on International Degree Students’ Everyday Security Perceptions in Tampere, Finland
Fuchs, Emma (2024)
2024
Master's Programme in Security and Safety Management
Johtamisen ja talouden tiedekunta - Faculty of Management and Business
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Hyväksymispäivämäärä
2024-04-26
Julkaisun pysyvä osoite on
https://urn.fi/URN:NBN:fi:tuni-202404224049
https://urn.fi/URN:NBN:fi:tuni-202404224049
Tiivistelmä
The number of international students is steadily rising and with it, the need to understand their daily experiences abroad. Identifying situations that international students perceive as secure and insecure can help improve their integration and well-being in a foreign context. To explore this topic in the city of Tampere, Finland, sixteen international degree students were included in this study on everyday security perceptions. Using the photovoice method, each student took photos of their environment which evoked feelings of security or insecurity. These photos were used as the main points of discussion during follow-up interviews with each participant. Lastly, the students were invited to a focus group discussion to discuss potential solutions to issues identified in the interviews.
The photovoice method was effective in gaining insights into the security experiences of the participants. The students discussed their experiences based on the photos collected as part of the study. Physical safety, emotional well-being, and social inclusion were identified as key components of the students’ definitions of security. The subjective nature of security was highlighted, as the perceptions and experiences were closely tied to individuals’ daily routines and surroundings in Tampere. Moreover, the students’ feelings of security were influenced by several factors such as their physical environment, language barriers, seasonal changes, and financial stability.
Based on their photos, the students developed recommendations to address identified challenges. The recommendations focused on awareness and cultural change, public safety and nightlife, language support, university and government collaboration, and community engagement. Specific recommendations included providing better language support in public services and increasing the availability of sober social activities. These findings have practical implications for universities and local authorities.
Taken together, the study's results offer insights into the perceptions, challenges, and opportunities of international degree students living in Tampere. Importantly, the findings can help improve issues faced by this demographic, ultimately supporting their overall well-being. However, further research with a larger sample size is needed to improve the generalizability of the findings.
The photovoice method was effective in gaining insights into the security experiences of the participants. The students discussed their experiences based on the photos collected as part of the study. Physical safety, emotional well-being, and social inclusion were identified as key components of the students’ definitions of security. The subjective nature of security was highlighted, as the perceptions and experiences were closely tied to individuals’ daily routines and surroundings in Tampere. Moreover, the students’ feelings of security were influenced by several factors such as their physical environment, language barriers, seasonal changes, and financial stability.
Based on their photos, the students developed recommendations to address identified challenges. The recommendations focused on awareness and cultural change, public safety and nightlife, language support, university and government collaboration, and community engagement. Specific recommendations included providing better language support in public services and increasing the availability of sober social activities. These findings have practical implications for universities and local authorities.
Taken together, the study's results offer insights into the perceptions, challenges, and opportunities of international degree students living in Tampere. Importantly, the findings can help improve issues faced by this demographic, ultimately supporting their overall well-being. However, further research with a larger sample size is needed to improve the generalizability of the findings.