Introduction to Surveillance Studies

Brief History

KEY CONCEPTS

• human desire for power and a sense of security

• key developments leading to current technology

• public controversy and accountability

• increasingly generalized nature of surveillance

Introduction

Surveillance has a fascinating history. As a species, we are insatiably curious—always wanting to see farther and better. Prehistoric humans climbed trees to survey territory, shake spears at rivals, or impress potential mates. In doing so, they were expressing essentially the same impulses that motivate surveillance today.

Managers are often conservative about adopting new technologies, reluctant to allocate funds to something that is unproven, but once those technologies show their worth, many are eager to incorporate ...