• Zur Hauptnavigation springen
  • Zum Inhalt springen
  • Zur Fußzeile springen

SozTheo

Sociology & Criminology for a Changing World

  • Sociology
    • Key Works in Sociology
    • Key Concepts in Sociology
  • Criminology
    • Key Works in Criminology
    • Key Concepts in Criminology
  • Theories of Crime
    • Classical & Rational Choice
    • Biological Theories of Crime
    • Social Structure & Anomie
    • Learning and Career
    • Interactionist & Labeling
    • Critical, Marxist & Conflict Theories
    • Control Theories
    • Cultural & Emotional
    • Space & Surveillance
  • Key Thinkers
  • Glossary
Home » Glossary » Privacy

Privacy

The right to control personal information and limit access to oneself.

Explanation

Privacy refers to the right of individuals to keep their personal data, communications, and behaviors free from unwanted observation or intrusion. In sociology and criminology, privacy is a contested value that intersects with surveillance, security, and social control. Mass surveillance, data collection, and predictive policing challenge traditional notions of privacy, raising questions about civil liberties, discrimination, and state power.

Theoretical Reference

Surveillance Studies, Foucault’s Panopticism

Related Terms

  • CCTV
  • Predictive Policing
  • Surveillance

Footer

About SozTheo

SozTheo is a personal academic project by Prof. Dr. Christian Wickert.

The content does not reflect the official views or curricula of HSPV NRW.

SozTheo.com offers clear, accessible introductions to sociology and criminology. Covering key theories, classic works, and essential concepts, it is designed for students, educators, and anyone curious about social science and crime. Discover easy-to-understand explanations and critical perspectives on the social world.

Looking for the German version? Visit soztheo.de

Legal

  • Impressum

Explore

  • Sociology
    • Key Works in Sociology
    • Key Concepts in Sociology
  • Criminology
    • Key Works in Criminology
    • Key Concepts in Criminology
  • Theories of Crime
  • Key Thinkers
  • Glossary

Meta

  • Anmelden
  • Feed der Einträge
  • Kommentar-Feed
  • WordPress.org

© 2026 · SozTheo · Admin