The Potential Role of Social Security: A Study on Enhancing Community Safety

In light of mounting concerns regarding community safety, this study undertakes a comprehensive examination of the role of convenience stores in Taiwan as pivotal conduits for social safety. Through a meticulous analysis of the extant literature and informal conversational interview conducted in both urban and rural settings, this study elucidates the manner in which these commercial establishments have assumed a pivotal role in enhancing the social safety net within local communities. The findings of this study demonstrate that convenience stores have been instrumental in providing frontline assistance during emergencies and natural disasters, thereby fostering a sense of community cohesion through their provision of essential day-to-day services. Moreover, this study underscores the manner in which the inherent characteristics of convenience stores contribute to the sustainability of communities. For instance, the promotion of environmental practices and the reduction of travel-related carbon emissions enhance not only the resilience of communities but also of local spaces. Moreover, the employment strategy of having convenience stores in local areas has a beneficial effect on the local economy and local employment levels. Convenience stores provide employment opportunities close to home, which in turn enhances residents’ safety and economic stability. These findings suggest that convenience stores have untapped potential for community safety and development. The contribution of this study is to highlight the multiple roles of convenience stores through empirical research and to provide a reference for policymakers to better integrate the positive characteristics of retail networks into the social security system.