Empowerment and Protection - Stories of Human Security Oct. 2014 | Page 104

A case for human
security methodology
Methodology challenges us to consider our basic assumptions
about what we study and the techniques adopted by the
researcher. The underlying methods and assumptions of the
human security approach influence their outcome and effect.
Methodology is important as it can to a certain degree address
the critique on human security as too all-encompassing and vague
­
to be put into practice.
There has been a lack of attention on the
methodological implications of the shift from
traditional notions of security, to one that is
localised and focused on the individual. In their
recent article on this very issue, Mary Martin and
Denisa Kostovicova assert that, “while critical
thinking about security has sought to change
understandings and produce new analytical
perspectives, it has relied largely on methods of
inquiry and decision-making which are rooted
in established conventions about the nature of
security, its objects and goals.” A critical first step
towards making the concept useful is therefore to
incorporate this referent shift into the methodology
and design of human security efforts and initiatives.
Methodology should be considered carefully as
a way to give meaning to the