Explaining the Relationship Between the Sense of Security and Abnormality: A Case Study of Khorramshahr Citizens

The precedence of collective interests over individual interests, along with the establishment of interactions, relationships, and a regulatory framework overseeing cooperation and conflicts within society, is an essential requirement for achieving public order, security, and justice. These objectives are primarily realized through collective phenomena such as official norms, which are enforced through executive guarantees and obligations. Social norms govern individual behaviors, interpersonal interactions, and intergroup relations across all levels of society, thereby determining the rights and duties of individuals in carrying out various tasks and establishing the equitable distribution of responsibilities and privileges. When the elements of social order and the actors within society fail to adhere to legal directives, the stability of the social system and the harmony between its components are compromised, leading to disorder and disarray. In such cases, a disconnect between individuals and the societal norms and values that underpin social order occurs, resulting in deviant behaviors and lawlessness (Kalantari et al., 2005). The consequence of neglecting societal order and norms is the trivialization of crime, its subsequent spread, and the negative impact on both welfare and social development. Addressing norm-avoidance, law-avoidance, and crime seriously can reflect a high level of social cohesion, reduce the need for social surveillance, and consequently lower the crime rate within society. Khorramshahr, a city in Khuzestan province, has been directly affected by an imposed war lasting for eight years. Situated along the border with Iraq, it shares complex economic and social relations, as well as ethnic and linguistic diversity. The city has undergone significant transformations due to the forces of modernity, which have triggered profound changes in various societal sectors. The manifestation and repercussions of these shifts are closely linked to the rise of social harm, lawlessness, and a diminished sense of security (Bakharaei, 2021; Bayat, 2019). In light of these complex dynamics, this study explores the current state of abnormality in Khorramshahr, focusing on lawlessness and its contributing factors. Key questions addressed in the research include: what is the current state of abnormality, with an emphasis on lawlessness, in Khorramshahr, and what underlying factors contribute to it? How does the feeling of security influence abnormal behavior within the population of Khorramshahr? Lastly, what strategies can be implemented to address these issues and improve the situation, leading to a more secure and orderly society?