Lippert, Randy

This thesis contributes to the criminological (especially the policing and security) and governmentality literature by examining constructions of security found in the Action Plan on Perimeter Security and Economic Competitiveness consultation process. In analyzing responses via a discourse analysis, this thesis identifies how security was constructed in the Action Plan vis-a-vis the various interest groups involved in the Action Plan consultation process. The research concludes that the discourses presented in the Action Plan systematically differ in patterned ways from discourses identified in the consultation process. The discourses found in the Action Plan contribute to an overwhelmingly neo-liberal and economic construction of security. These findings contribute to governmentality literature by identifying a need to examine beneath official texts in identifying discourses. As well, these findings provide an impetus for future research to move beyond pre-conceived constructions of security to instead examine security in case-specific contexts.

The second edition of "Questioning Sociology: Canadian Perspectives" offers a collection of twenty-three readings that encourage students to challenge commonplace assumptions and to reflect critically on the social world they inhabit. Contributed by prominent Canadian scholars, these readings explore provocative sociological questions and are designed to lead students into debates about key social and theoretical topics. Also covering a number of important Canadian issues, including sovereignty for Quebec and Indigenous peoples, maritime economic transition, and immigration and citizenship, this text prompts students to engage thoughtfully with issues that are relevant to their lives. In doing so, it encourages readers to develop a critical 'sociological imagination'. This edition features new chapters on family, mental illness, the environment, women in prison, media, and 'deserted questions' in sociology. Covering a range of important sociological topics and offering highly accessible pedagogy, this text is ideal for students who are new to the study of sociology.