ABSTRACT
This chapter concentrates on the ways that mall space is policed and on the corresponding definitions of acceptable and unacceptable behaviour in malls. The analysis is based on an empirical study conducted in Czech shopping malls. Caution refers to the preventive nature of mall policing: all possible sources of unpredictability and conflict are sanctioned by the house rules. Czech shopping malls are extremely cautious towards all kinds of disturbance, conflict and potential unpredictability. Control refers to practical enforcement of the rules: worded very generally and vaguely, the rules are freely interpreted by mall security personnel. Through wireless communication, the control room crew is in constant communication with floor guards, who respond to orders from the control room as well as report suspect activities. The borders of acceptability are negotiated in actual, on-the-floor interaction and the representations of consumption space, family space and lively space come into conflict with each other.
