Security, as a multidimensional concept, encompasses physical, psychological, social, and economic dimensions. In this regard, the present study investigates the perceptions of female students at the University of Tabriz regarding security in the public spaces of the metropolitan area of Tabriz. The research methodology is based on semi-structured interviews and deconstructive analysis, conducted using NVivo software. This approach facilitates the identification of meanings, contradictions, and ambiguities embedded in the interviews and enables the recognition of various factors influencing security perception. The deconstructive analysis entails identifying and examining key terms and binary oppositions, such as security/insecurity, psychological/physical, light/darkness, surveillance/disorder, and open/closed spaces. This analytical approach enhances the comprehension of the implicit meanings and the underlying concepts within the students' responses. The examination of these binary structures underscores the significant role of such dichotomies in shaping security perceptions. The lexical and thematic analysis reveals that terms such as security, lighting, surveillance, public spaces, and population density frequently appear in the interviews. These concepts are identified as pivotal factors contributing to either the enhancement or diminishment of the sense of security. Additionally, the presence of other individuals, social diversity, antisocial behaviors, a sense of belonging to the community, and cultural and structural disparities among cities are recognized as influential determinants. Furthermore, urban design attributes to security perception, and the economic characteristics of the region also impact this perception. Personal experiences, risk perception, the presence of security forces, and surveillance systems are likewise identified as critical factors affecting perceived security.
Teimouri,I. , Marefat,M. , najafaliilu,M. and Taghizadeh Fanid,A. (2025). Rethinking the Perception of Security: A Deconstructive Analysis of Female Students' Views on Public Spaces in the City of Tabriz. Geography and Urban Research, 1(1), 64-75. doi: 10.22130/gur.2025.2051875.1012
MLA
Teimouri,I. , , Marefat,M. , , najafaliilu,M. , and Taghizadeh Fanid,A. . "Rethinking the Perception of Security: A Deconstructive Analysis of Female Students' Views on Public Spaces in the City of Tabriz", Geography and Urban Research, 1, 1, 2025, 64-75. doi: 10.22130/gur.2025.2051875.1012
HARVARD
Teimouri I., Marefat M., najafaliilu M., Taghizadeh Fanid A. (2025). 'Rethinking the Perception of Security: A Deconstructive Analysis of Female Students' Views on Public Spaces in the City of Tabriz', Geography and Urban Research, 1(1), pp. 64-75. doi: 10.22130/gur.2025.2051875.1012
CHICAGO
I. Teimouri, M. Marefat, M. najafaliilu and A. Taghizadeh Fanid, "Rethinking the Perception of Security: A Deconstructive Analysis of Female Students' Views on Public Spaces in the City of Tabriz," Geography and Urban Research, 1 1 (2025): 64-75, doi: 10.22130/gur.2025.2051875.1012
VANCOUVER
Teimouri I., Marefat M., najafaliilu M., Taghizadeh Fanid A. Rethinking the Perception of Security: A Deconstructive Analysis of Female Students' Views on Public Spaces in the City of Tabriz. Geography and Urban Research, 2025; 1(1): 64-75. doi: 10.22130/gur.2025.2051875.1012