ABSTRACT
This chapter argues a place for attachment theory—a relational model of the mind and emotional development—in the terrain of human security. A human security approach links nation with neighbourhood. Partnered with the concept of agency is 'structure', conceived by sociologists as stable and enduring patterns of behaviour, rules and resources. In the human security research, these structures are examined in several domains: socioeconomic and political systems; culture; institutional relations; neighbourhood networks; and familial relationships. The human security discourse can extend the purview of attachment theory by exposing the range of systemic threats which undermine our security. Attachment theory enhances our understanding of inequalities as a source of insecurity, by exposing the most unequal relation of all, that of infant to caregiver. According to attachment theory, a condition of healthy emotional development is one's security of attachments. Attachments are very particular kinds of affectional bond in which we invest our physical and psychological safety.
