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

Abstract

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.

1. Introduction

As global climate change intensifies and the vulnerability of both urban and rural areas increases, social safety and security play an increasingly critical role in sustainable development. As stated in Goal 11 of the United Nations Sustainable Development Goals (SDGs), the establishment of inclusive, secure, robust, and sustainable rural and urban communities is considered to be of paramount importance to global sustainable development. The concept of social security, in its multi-dimensional form, has evolved beyond its traditional legal and law enforcement functions, encompassing institutional mechanisms such as elderly care, affordability, and support for vulnerable groups [1,2,3,4]. Social protection systems help mitigate poverty and the inequality arising from climate shocks, yet their integration into climate policy remains limited—highlighting the need for more cohesive governance frameworks [5].

The Happy Cities Index 2024 expands the concept of social safety beyond crime prevention to include institutional support, accessibility, and community engagement. In light of the aforementioned factors, convenience stores, as ubiquitous and accessible micro-spaces, are progressively exhibiting a social function that extends beyond their commercial purpose. These stores provide essential daily necessities, public services (e.g., the collection of payments and the provision of disaster emergency contact points), and facilitate local community interaction, thereby serving as a crucial support system for urban residents in their daily lives. Notably, at night-time and in remote areas and elderly communities, convenience stores have the capacity to enhance accessibility and safety, which, in turn, can indirectly strengthen residents’ subjective perception of social safety within the city.

Conversely, although the list of concepts of “community,” “mindfulness,” and “nutrition” proposed in the WELL v2 Healthy Buildings Standard does not explicitly include “social safety” as a separate item, these policymakers have already responded to this issue through spatial design and institutional support. The WELL v2 model emphasizes spatial design to promote social connectivity, psychosocial support, and vulnerability. This approach offers a novel perspective on social safety. The incorporation of convenience stores into the urban health design system of WELL v2 has the potential to address the issue of inadequate social care and public support at the micro level within urban areas.

Working from the perspective of social safety and security, this study explores the potential of convenience stores as a conduit to contribute to the enhancement of social safety and security in urban and rural areas. It investigates the ways in which these stores can function as an extension area of social safety and security in urban areas. This study puts forward its institutional recommendations in the context of spatial governance and the promotion of healthy city development. It combines the indicators of the “Happy City 2024” initiative with those of the WELL v2 standard. The aim is to explore the potential of using convenience stores to shape the social safety network of local spaces in terms of social assistance and disaster prevention.

2. Institutional Role of Convenience Stores and Research Gaps

The convenience store retail ecosystem was first established in the United States in 1927, with similar establishments subsequently spreading to Japan in 1964 and Taiwan in 1977. By the end of 2014, the total number of convenience store chains in Taiwan, including the four major chains, such as 7-Eleven and Family Mart, had exceeded 10,000, reaching 10,131. This is equivalent to one convenience store for every 2300 residents, which exceeds Japan’s ratio of one for every 2450 residents. A recent study has determined that as of July 2024, the total number of major convenience store chains in Taiwan had reached 14,406 units. The high density of these stores, as illustrated in Figure 1, is indicative of significant spatial advantages. The wide distribution of these amenities, coupled with their embedded local presence, serves to reduce time and travel costs for both residents and passers-by. It has been demonstrated that the “24/7” convenience store model has, through the medium of community engagement, extensively enhanced social security systems and functions such as social security, social assistance, and disaster prevention in the form of social capital. Moreover, the multifarious and competitive operations of convenience stores have been demonstrated to catalyze an increase in the consumption of healthy food, thereby assisting local community residents in their active contribution to the healthcare system, the reduction of unhealthy food consumption, and the consequent reduction in healthcare expenditures [6]. In addition to these immediate benefits, convenience stores have also been linked to broader outcomes, including stronger perceptions of social safety, healthier consumption patterns, reduced reliance on private transport, and enhanced sustainability.

Notwithstanding these contributions, research gaps remain. Firstly, a paucity of systematic analysis exists across the different regions regarding their social functions. Secondly, while numerous case studies have examined the stores’ role in disasters, empirical data concerning their emergency response effectiveness remains limited. Thirdly, the relationship between access to convenience stores and perceptions of social safety is an area that has received scant attention from researchers and is lacking in quantitative evidence.

The extant research on the specific functions of convenience stores in the social security and disaster relief system is not comprehensive, and further analyses are required, especially on the emergency response capabilities of convenience stores and the construction of social support networks during disaster events. We examine the role of the social security functions of convenience stores in urban and rural Taiwan, with a particular emphasis on their specific contributions to social assistance, disaster prevention measures, and occupational and employment security. To this end, case studies will be conducted to elucidate their roles.

3. Materials and Methods

3.1. Research Design and Data Collection

This study explores the contributions of convenience stores to sustainable urban and rural development in Taiwan. It focuses on their roles in social welfare, disaster prevention, employment security, and broader social safety mechanisms. Additionally, it undertakes an analysis of the perceptions and needs of customers and employees regarding these services, with the aim of enhancing scholarly and policymakers’ understanding of how convenience stores contribute to societal well-being across different domains.

This study employs two primary research methods:

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Literature Review

A range of databases, including Google Scholar and Scopus, were utilized to collect relevant data through the implementation of keyword filtering and literature analysis tools. The review covers literature related to the roles of convenience stores in promoting social security, environmental sustainability, and community development. This analysis helps identify significant research gaps and prevalent theoretical frameworks.

A comprehensive literature review was conducted, with web-scraping tools such as Scrapy and Beautiful Soup being utilized to collect data from academic sources, industry reports, and government documents. This review provided a foundational understanding of the role of convenience stores in social security and sustainability policy. Core literature was identified through iterative filtering, ensuring thematic alignment with the research framework.

A systematic literature search was conducted across numerous databases, including Google Scholar and Scopus, using the keywords “convenience store”, “community safety”, “disaster relief”, and “social support”. The process yielded a substantial number of initial publications, with more than 100 being identified. Subsequently, the results were filtered based on relevance and quality. The process involved the exclusion of duplicate studies and studies that did not directly address the topic of convenience stores. The search was narrowed to approximately 30 core references that supported the theoretical framework. To better understand how convenience stores influence social security and community life, this study carefully examined 30 key academic works. The selection process followed a set of clear and documented guidelines. Only studies published after 2000 in peer-reviewed journals that focus on Taiwanese or international cases (with considerable relevance) are included. The selection excluded duplicate studies and those that lacked a direct focus on convenience stores’ societal roles. Each paper was read in detail to evaluate its contribution to the ongoing conversation about how such retail spaces function as part of the broader social support system.

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In-depth Interviews

A series of interview outlines was designed for the four major convenience store chains, with a focus on their involvement in social welfare, occupational safety, and employment security. The data collection process involved the utilization of an informal conversational interview method. The interview questions were designed to gather qualitative insights from key stakeholders in Taiwan’s convenience stores. Themes to be explored included the participants’ roles in emergency relief, sustainability initiatives, employment practices, and economic impact.

Participants were selected through purposive sampling to ensure diversity in both regional distribution and stakeholder roles. Convenience stores located in northern, central, southern, and eastern Taiwan were selected to cover major urban centers such as Taipei City, Taichung City, and Kaohsiung City, as well as rural and mountainous areas in Nantou County and Taichung County. This approach was adopted to facilitate a comprehensive analysis of regional differences. The respondents comprised convenience store employees (executives and general staff) and customers. The selection criteria focused on the availability and diversity of volunteers, as measured by the ratio of local residents to non-local customers, the ratio of different age groups, and the representation of the four major convenience store chains. The research team conducted interviews with 17 staff members and 23 customers from 13 stores across various regions in Taiwan.

3.2. Data Analysis

Semi-structured informal interviews were conducted with stakeholders, including shop managers, employees, and customers, to explore their perceptions of the role of the convenience store industry in terms of disaster relief, job security, and environmental sustainability.

The design of the interview guide can be summarized as follows. The interview questions were meticulously designed, based on the research gaps identified in the extant literature and the objectives of this study. As illustrated in

Table 1. Thematic domains of the interview guide.

Agenda	Perspective	Topic	Discussion Content
The Role of Convenience Stores in Social Security and Employment Security	Understanding and Awareness of the Issue	The importance of convenience stores to social security and employment security in Taiwan, influencing social development through various participation models	The ways in which convenience stores participate in social security and employment security, along with their impact
1. Perspective on Convenience Stores’ Participation in Social Welfare	Construction of Social Welfare Mechanisms	Participation in providing living assistance to low-income households and promoting social inclusivity	Exploring how convenience stores actively participate in the construction of social welfare mechanisms by providing living assistance and promoting social inclusivity
2. Perspective on Convenience Stores’ Participation in Social Assistance	Emergency Assistance and the Social Safety Net	Provision of shelter and support during natural disasters or unexpected events	Analyzing the role of convenience stores in emergency assistance and the social safety net, particularly in providing shelter and support during natural disasters or unexpected events
3. Perspective on Convenience Stores’ Participation in Social Security and Employment Security	Provision of Job Opportunities and the Enhancement of Workplace Safety	Job creation and the enhancement of workplace safety measures	Evaluating the contribution of convenience stores to strengthening social security and ensuring job opportunities, including job creation and the enhancement of workplace safety measures
4. Perspective on Convenience Stores’ Participation in Sustainable Urban-Rural Development Issues	Promotion of Environmental Protection, Resource Recycling, and Local Economic Revitalization	Promotion of environmental protection measures, resource recycling services, and local economic revitalization actions	Studying the role of convenience stores in sustainable development, particularly in promoting environmental protection, resource recycling, and local economic revitalization measures

Source: Authors.

, an interview outline was formulated to encompass four primary themes:

• The present study explores the role of convenience stores in the social welfare mechanism.
• The participation of convenience stores in the emergency assistance and social safety net is a subject that deserves further exploration.
• The third point to be considered is the contribution of convenience stores to employment security and workplace safety.
• The fourth point pertains to initiatives undertaken by convenience shops with a view to environmental sustainability and the revitalization of the local economy.

For each of the aforementioned interview dimensions, open-ended interview questions were designed in an informal dialogue style to encourage in-depth sharing of experiences and perspectives. The questions were designed to ensure clarity and neutrality, and finally, a small pre-test was conducted before the formal interviews, with five respondents participating in the test to refine the interview questions.

The interview transcripts and notes were analyzed using thematic analysis. The data were initially subjected to an inductive coding process, with the aim of identifying recurring concepts and themes. This approach was adopted to avoid the imposition of predefined categories on the research process. The codes were then grouped and categorized into broader themes based on the research questions (e.g., “emergency response role” or “community engagement”). In order to enhance reliability, the two researchers undertook the coding and comparison of a selection of the records independently, then refined the coding definitions through discussion. Disagreements, if any, were resolved by consensus. In order to triangulate the findings, a process of cross-referencing was undertaken with secondary data and the literature. This involved the comparison of interview insights with statistical data or the results of previous studies. The researchers then extracted key illustrative quotes from the participants and presented these in the results, thereby providing direct evidence for each of the identified themes.

3.3. Interview Structure and Sampling Strategy

From September 2023 to May 2024, the authors of this study carried out a series of interviews to examine how Taiwan’s convenience store industry engages with social security initiatives. Building on insights from the literature review, the interview design sought to capture diverse perspectives across store types and regions. The interview design was informed by the results of the screening literature, and an interview outline was prepared to identify those interviewees who would be representative of the wider population. During this period, the research team conducted informal interviews with the customers and employees of convenience stores in selected cities and rural areas in Taiwan, recording the interviews to ensure the completeness and accuracy of the data. With regard to the analysis of data, inductive methods and secondary data analysis were employed to systematically organize and analyze the data, thereby verifying the established research hypotheses.

Interviews were conducted with employees and customers of the four major convenience store chains, spanning both urban centers and rural regions. The study focused on two groups: store staff in managerial and operational roles, and customers actively using store services. A total of 17 employees and 23 customers from 13 stores were interviewed. The interview outline is shown in Table 1, and its classification is shown in

Table 2. Respondent classification and coding.

Respondent Type	Respondent Group Classification	Respondent ID
Convenience Store Employees	Group A	A1–23
Convenience Store Customers (Local Residents)	Group B	B1–13
Convenience Store Customers (Non-Local Residents)	Group C	C1–10

Source: Authors. Respondents were grouped by role and location, using anonymized identifiers for clarity during qualitative coding.

.

This table outlines the four thematic areas used to structure the semi-structured interviews, aligned with the study’s key research questions.

Interviews were carried out in an informal conversational format, allowing respondents to share insights freely based on a flexible guide. Questions were adapted during each session to reflect the flow of dialogue and to encourage deeper reflection. To preserve data quality and avoid interviewer bias, audio recordings were made, and open coding was applied during the analysis, this being documented immediately using recording equipment upon conclusion of the interview. The specific aim of this method was twofold: firstly, to ensure the completeness of the data while adhering to the principles of “non-interference research”; and secondly, to explore the core issues of the interview in depth. The interview design adopted the “Informal Conversational Interview” method [7], where questions were asked based on the interview outline but not posed in a fixed order. Instead, the rhetorical form of the questions was adaptively modified according to the prevailing interaction context, with the objective of following up and collecting significant information. In order to circumvent the issues of data collection inconsistency [8] or monopolizing the conversation [9], the researcher employed an inductive method and secondary data analysis to ensure balanced participation and reliable data collection.

4. The Function and Role of Convenience Stores

4.1. Transformation of Convenience Stores: A Study of Multifunctional Nodes in Community Infrastructure

As convenience stores have become embedded in the rhythms of everyday life, their function has shifted from pure retail to what scholars now call “community infrastructure” [10,11]. In rural areas, for instance, they may serve as informal check-in points for elderly residents or offer the only accessible food and supplies during emergencies. This stands in marked opposition to the situation in corporate-owned shops, which exhibit a range of degrees of community integration [6]. The presence of convenience stores exerts a significant influence on local retail customers, with social capital factors such as community attachment and reciprocity playing a pivotal role in consumers’ decisions to support local shops. This highlights the importance of establishing reciprocal relationships with local customers [12]. This type of store not only provides convenience but also creates a large number of job opportunities for different markets. Chains such as Circle K, 7-11, VinMart, and B’s Mart have become popular shopping choices for Vietnamese consumers. The millennial generation, with its considerable spending potential, is an especially important customer group for convenience stores [13]. In Taiwan, mixed convenience stores that integrate convenient shopping and dining environments reflect the innovative trends of the convenience store industry and the catering industry. Previous studies have pointed out that urban consumers in Taiwan are gradually increasing their acceptance of this innovative dining option [14].

Comparative international experiences reveal that the role of convenience stores in community safety differs across governance systems and societal needs. In Japan, convenience stores (e.g., 7-Eleven, Family-Mart, and Lawson) have been reimagined as extensions of community safety and care networks [3]. They also collaborate with local governments during disasters—for instance, major chains have formal agreements in place to quickly supply emergency goods after earthquakes [15,16]. Through community engagement research, another study has shown how these shops help local governments identify remote seniors, respond to emergencies, and disseminate public health information. Particularly in rural and semi-urban areas, the shops provide a similar public function by filling service gaps in the face of a weakening police force and aging infrastructure, highlighting their integration into the fabric of community resilience. Convenience stores in Japan have been operating for over fifty years, serving as retailers that provide food and daily necessities at any time, and have become an indispensable part of people’s lives [17]. Japan is currently facing a serious social problem of rapid population aging, with convenience stores serving as a microcosm of this phenomenon, reflecting changes in consumption patterns, the provision of long-term care services, and trends in management practices [2,3]. This microcosm not only reflects the changes in population structure but also provides some solutions to address the issue of aging [3]. In contrast, in the United States and parts of Europe, convenience stores primarily meet basic needs and act as “community lifelines” during emergencies by providing food and fuel to residents and first-responders [18].

The convenience store plays a key role in promoting market employment opportunities, especially in urban and under-resourced areas. These small retail units, in addition to providing employment opportunities, also drive local economic development by meeting community needs [12]. The growth of convenience stores is influenced by multiple factors, including changes in consumer behavior, the process of urbanization, and the demand for accessible shopping options [19]. In the following paragraphs, we will explore in depth how convenience stores create job opportunities and their broader impact on the overall economy.

Convenience stores demonstrate diversity and challenges in terms of providing employment opportunities. These stores not only set up a variety of positions, ranging from sales assistants to management roles, but also reflect clear gender dynamics. Generally, women’s jobs are more concentrated in frontline sales and service roles, while men are more commonly in management positions [20]. This phenomenon is widespread in the retail industry. Additionally, in some regions, such as Spaza shops in South Africa, convenience stores have become an important source of employment in the informal sector, offering jobs requiring a relatively low level of skills and providing accessible job opportunities for those at high risk of unemployment [21]. These phenomena highlight the important role convenience stores play in an environment with a shortage of formal employment opportunities, thereby becoming a significant component of the labor market in society.

In discussing the impact of convenience stores on the local economy and community development, their contribution in terms of providing basic goods and services cannot be ignored. The presence of convenience stores not only significantly enhances local economic activity but also promotes job creation. For example, in the United States, the rapid growth in the number of convenience stores indicates their central role in the retail industry and their strong potential for job creation [22]. This phenomenon is equally evident in other developed countries, as convenience stores have gradually become an indispensable component of the modern retail landscape [23].

In addition, the role of convenience stores in minority communities cannot be ignored. Edinburgh, Scotland, can be used as a case study, with many minority-run convenience stores successfully adapting to market changes by providing economic and social benefits. These stores are frequently operated by multiple generations of family members, thereby enabling the continuous creation of employment opportunities [24]. Nevertheless, such stores are not as formally integrated into public safety programs, partly due to lower store density and stronger public social services. This comparison underscores the observation that Taiwan, analogous to Japan, deploys a dense network of convenience stores as an informal social safety net. This feature is less pronounced in Western contexts. The study emphasizes the prospective advantages of the enhanced integration of convenience stores into community safety strategies, drawing upon global best practices. Convenience stores fulfil a multifaceted role in the economy, contributing to the creation of employment opportunities and the promotion of the local economy [25,26].

4.2. Analysis of Interviews

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Data based on in-depth interviews with convenience store staff

This study conducted in-depth interviews with 23 employees from the selected Group A of convenience stores, identified as A1 to A23, to explore the significant role of convenience stores in society.

Firstly, the 24-hour operation model and extensive distribution of convenience stores have notably enhanced local residents’ sense of security. Many respondents see convenience stores as more than just places to shop: “Some grandmothers and grandfathers come here almost every night, saying that it’s too quiet outside, so it’s more peaceful to come to the shop to see the people and hear the sounds”. This is a description given by night shift employee A1 in Taichung, while respondent A3 mentioned that during a blackout, a young mother came to the shop with her child to take refuge: “She said that the whole street was dark and we were the only ones lit up, so she didn’t dare to stay at home.” These experiences show that convenience stores, especially at night or in areas where the level of law and order is poor, have become not just a place to shop but also an emotional haven for community residents.

Staff also shared the role of convenience stores in terms of an immediate response to disasters, with respondent A17 recalling a phone call from the village office asking for help in delivering bottled water after the 2024 Hualien earthquake, and respondent A19 saying: “We are not a material center at all, but we couldn’t take care of anything at that time, so we just emptied the warehouse and waited for the trucks to come.” Respondent A21 added, “Many of our neighbors were very nervous, so we chatted with them and helped them recharge their batteries, which was a small help.” These autonomous and improvised actions highlight the role of convenience stores as informal community response points in times of crisis, complementing the government’s efforts to maintain basic life support.

In terms of employment, respondents repeatedly emphasized the flexible working hour arrangements and low entry thresholds in the stores. Respondent A10, a single parent working part-time, said, “I couldn’t cope with a nine-to-five job before. The night shift here allows me to go home after school.” Respondent A12, a single mother caring for her father following a stroke, attests to the significant impact of the facility, stating that: “This place provides invaluable assistance to a considerable number of individuals.” Her articulated that the initial uncertainty surrounding his future led him to seek respite and reassess his situation at the convenience store: “I have to stay with my father during the day, but in the evenings, I can go to this organization for a few hours, and the manager understands our situation.” Respondent A14 also revealed that the flexibility in working hours he experienced after having to leave his job was instrumental to his subsequent recovery and return to work. Additionally, these companies offer basic vocational training, which not only enhances employees’ job skills but also improves their career development prospects.

In conclusion, through interviews with convenience store employees, this study found that convenience stores play an indispensable role in enhancing social security, supporting disaster relief, and promoting individual career development.

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Data based on detailed interviews with local convenience store users

This study includes interviews with 13 local residents, labeled B1 to B13, from the customer group B of convenience stores. “I got off work at 11 pm and the convenience store was still open, it really helped me a lot,” said B1, a service industry employee in Taipei City, who emphasized that the 24-hour operation and variety of products in convenience stores “can solve almost every little problem in life.” Respondent B2 also had a similar experience: “There are three supermarkets near our home, so if our children need stationery or our husband needs medicine for a headache in the middle of the night, there is a place to buy it within a three-minute walk, which is really convenient.” Not only is it convenient, respondent B3 also said: “I noticed that recently they have been promoting the reuse of cups, and if you have your own cups, they even offer discounts, which has actually made me start to reflect on my living habits.” Respondent B4 pointed out that during a community environmental activity, the convenience store took the initiative to provide recycling points and eco-friendly shopping bags: “This kind of participation in the community makes me feel that they are not just merchants, but also part of the community.” Respondent B5 was very impressed by this change: “I am a person who cares about the environment, and seeing that they are willing to promote these policies makes me even more willing to support this shop.”

In times of natural disasters, convenience stores often serve as an emergency relief for residents in the community. These experiences highlight the function of convenience stores in disasters. Respondent B8 said: “Our shop signed a disaster preparedness agreement with the district public office, and on the day of the earthquake, people came to ask if they could borrow water and dry food.” Convenience stores also provide many employment opportunities, as noted by B10, a recent college graduate: “I couldn’t find a formal job, so I came to work in a supermarket first, and I learned a lot.”

Enhancing social interaction is also one of the essential functions of convenience stores (respondent B12). Many residents and employees pointed out that the high density of convenience stores and their frequent interactions with residents play a vital role in promoting community economic stability and the convenience of residents’ lives. These stores have now become critical social venues in daily life, providing not only shopping services but also becoming a primary platform for neighborhood exchanges, thereby enhancing community cohesion (respondent B13).

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In-depth interviews with non-local residents using convenience store services

This study conducted in-depth interviews with non-local residents (respondents C1 to C10) of the C group, analyzing their multifaceted views on their convenience store usage experiences. Convenience stores often serve as “peace of mind” for travelers during their journeys. Respondent C2, a traveler from Hsinchu, said: “Whenever I go to a place I don’t know well, the first thing I do is to look for a superstore to buy some drinks and bread, and I’m less nervous.” Respondent C4 added: “Even if I arrive in the middle of the night, knowing that there is a 24-hour convenience store nearby gives me a lot of peace of mind.” Respondent C7 shared: “When I got lost while cycling in the mountainous area of Nantou, I was fortunate to find a supermarket and was able to ask for directions without any problems.”

Some interviewees also pointed out that convenience stores are not only a place to live but are also increasingly playing a role in promoting local culture and economic revitalization. Respondent C5, a local entrepreneur living in Chiayi, said: “When the nearby supermarkets started to sell agricultural products from our community, everyone was very happy, and we felt that we had been seen.” Respondent C10, on the other hand, said: “Young people returning to their hometowns can find jobs in supermarkets, and it is no longer just an option for those who have moved to the north.”

Although most of the respondents did not know much about the environmental protection measures of supermarkets, as respondent C8 said: “I noticed that they do not provide plastic bags in the shop, and they have to use eco-bags, which is good!” Respondent C9 also stated that, on occasion, when confronted with products bearing eco-labels, they perceived the approach of the establishment to be more meticulous.

The interviews indicate that convenience stores have the capacity to augment residents’ sense of security and to promote local employment and sustainable development, and they are progressively becoming an indispensable element of community infrastructure.

4.3. Interview Opinion Discussion

“I grew up in the mountains of Taichung, and the thing I feared most on typhoon days was the loss of water and electricity, but the 7-11 in my village was still open, and it was the only place where I could buy instant noodles and water,” said A1, a supermarket employee in Nantou. Respondent A3, a supermarket employee in Nantou, recalled the aftershock of the 921 earthquake: “When the village office was short of manpower, we took the initiative to help with the distribution of supplies and used the shop’s refrigerator to refrigerate medicines.”

The role of convenience stores in Taiwan is much more than just shopping. When disaster strikes, they are often the first to turn on their lights and the first to resume operations, serving as a “lighthouse of response” in the minds of residents. As respondent A4 pointed out: “Even if there is an earthquake or a power outage, when you see the lights on at the corner supermarket, you know that the neighborhood is not that dangerous.”

In terms of employment, convenience stores offer many opportunities to enter the job market. Respondent A6, a single mother who opted to work the night shift at a supermarket in order to care for her children during the day, stated: “Although it is arduous work, I do have flexibility, and the shop manager is willing to cooperate with my schedule.” A5, a young respondent, added: “I learned how to deal with customers and problems from the supermarket, and it was like a starting point for my career.”

Residents are also beginning to pay attention to environmental protection. Respondent B8 said: “Now that I can get a discount for buying coffee in my own cup, I always bring a kettle with me, which is even more practical than the government’s promotions.” Respondent B9 stated that the establishment has a designated recycling receptacle for batteries, which is utilized by numerous individuals within the local community for the disposal of their waste batteries.

When considered as a whole, these local voices demonstrate how convenience stores have evolved from being a supply station to a community infrastructure, playing a key role in safety, employment, and sustainable development.

5. Findings

Through an analysis of the above data, it was found that the role of convenience stores in occupational safety and social security can be analyzed from several major aspects, covering the safety of the working environment, their undertaking of social responsibilities, and their strategies in responding to disasters.

5.1. Employment Security and Safety

Convenience stores usually have certain community benefits in terms of job security for local residents, but the degree of security is still limited by the nature of the job and the policies of the operators. The following are the job security aspects that convenience stores may provide to local residents. For many respondents, convenience stores are not just a place to replenish goods, but also a workplace that can “turn life around.” A5, a sophomore in Tainan City who usually has to help take care of her family’s children, said: “The working hours here are very flexible. I come to work at 10 pm after class, and then go back to school in the morning to sleep in, and the manager is very sympathetic to the lives of our students.”

Convenience stores offer plenty of opportunities to enter the workplace, especially for young people, students, and those who need to take care of their families. For example, A9, a single mother from Hualien, says: “I can take my child to school during the day and then work the morning shift and pick him up from work at 3 pm on time. This choice of working hours really helps a lot.”

In terms of basic labor protection, a number of the employees interviewed (e.g., A6, A11, and A15) mentioned that they were not only paid a basic wage after joining the convenience store but also enjoyed basic benefits, such as labor insurance. “In the past, there was no insurance for illegal workers, but now at least there is a bottom line,” said A11.

Employment opportunities are even more valuable in remote rural areas, as highlighted by A17, a shop clerk who lives in Xinyi Township, Nantou. “There are only farmland and convenience stores in the neighborhood, and I’ve been working here for four years since I graduated from high school. The salary isn’t high, but it’s stable, and I’ve learned how to cashier, replenish goods, and call for orders, which is a great opportunity for a non-university graduate like me.” This is especially the case for full-time employees, who enjoy more comprehensive statutory protection.

• Short-term job security: Convenience store jobs provide a safeguard for local residents with temporary or short-term work needs. Whether as a way to fill gaps during unemployment periods or as a source of additional income, short-term employment at convenience stores offers an economic buffer.
• Promoting Economic Activity: The presence of convenience stores helps to promote local economic development and increase regional consumer demand, which not only directly provides job opportunities but also indirectly enhances local employment security.
• Professional Skills: Although convenience store jobs mostly belong to the basic service industry, local residents can learn basic service skills, customer handling techniques, product management, etc., from this type of work, which provides some assistance in terms of future employment choices and career development.

Convenience stores’ job security for local residents is mainly reflected in the increase in employment opportunities and sources of income, but since most positions are part-time, long-term job security is still limited. For most local residents, a job in a convenience store is a flexible transition option. However, workplace safety was also a concern for many respondents, with A12 stating: “We usually have to carry and replenish goods, and we once sprained our feet accidentally, only to realize later that these actions are actually dangerous.” Convenience store jobs may seem simple, but in reality, they involve risks such as night shifts, heavy lifting, and standing for long periods of time. Some shops provide training and instructions, but, according to respondent A14: “Some people come in and go straight to work without taking a few classes.”

Whether or not employees are involved in the design of the OSH system also affects the effectiveness of the implementation. Respondent A21, an employee at a store in the mountainous area of Nantou, said: “We told the shop manager that the lights in the warehouse were too dark, and it was easy for us to fall down, and then we actually installed sensor lights, so I think we were heard.”

Many workers told us that they just wanted to avoid getting hurt on the job—this was not just about rules, but instead about staying healthy enough to keep showing up for their families [27]. Several workers noted that minor workplace injuries helped them realize how certain routines could be unsafe. After such experiences, managers would sometimes revisit safety protocols, updating them to fit actual working conditions [28]. Several respondents mentioned that safety measures only worked when they matched the realities of each store. “What helps in a city store might not work in a mountain town, and when we get to speak up—like telling our boss the warehouse light was too dim—it makes a real difference,” said A21, a clerk in rural Nantou, regarding the implementation of these regulations [29].

5.2. Convenience Store Public Services

The primary focus of the expansion strategy for convenience stores in Taiwan revolves around the concept of “multi-format operations.” This strategy largely benefits from the support of corporate groups, which facilitates the seamless entry of various business ecosystems into the market. In fostering the convenience store system, Uni-President Enterprises integrates resources from both the pharmaceutical retail and food service sectors, thereby augmenting the functional capacity of convenience stores [21]. Therefore, convenience stores are not just a single shopping location, but a key element in advancing toward the development of a “sustainable community.” Improving the work safety of convenience stores requires comprehensive consideration of their unique operational characteristics.

In rural areas, the lack of public service facilities limits the fulfillment of villagers’ needs and hinders the achievement of high-quality rural development. Especially in mountainous and remote areas, relying solely on distance and population indicators for the allocation of service facilities gives rise to numerous challenges. Research indicates that adopting a “bottom-up” strategy for the rational allocation of public service facilities can play a significant role in markedly improving the convenience and happiness of villagers’ lives [22]. Taiwan’s convenience stores have continuously adjusted in this configuration model, which has had a positive impact on improving the quality of life in remote areas, as shown in Figure 2.

5.3. The Role of Social Security

(1)

Reduce medical expenses

Chang and Meyerhoefer’s 2019 study [13] aims to explore the accessibility of convenience stores and the impact of chain competition on healthcare utilization and spending in Taiwan. The results show that the accessibility of convenience stores and the competition between different brands have had significant effects on the use and cost of outpatient medical services and prescription drugs, specifically manifested by a decrease in usage rates and costs. It is worth mentioning that since convenience stores often provide healthier ready-to-eat foods, this intensified competition and the decline in food prices have further promoted a reduction in healthcare utilization rates. This discovery reveals that competition among convenience stores has, to a certain extent, driven the consumption of healthy foods and helped to improve the overall health level of residents.

(2)

Disaster Prevention Base

Convenience stores in Taiwan play an important role in disaster management [30]. In 2015, the Taipei City Social Affairs Bureau signed a disaster materials supply support agreement with several convenience stores to ensure the rapid delivery of essential supplies to disaster areas during typhoons and earthquakes. This agreement not only improved disaster response efficiency but also strengthened the role of convenience stores in the social emergency management system and emphasized their importance in connecting community resources, aiming to maintain a stable supply of essential materials during disasters. When disasters occur, food supplies may be severely affected, and convenience stores play a crucial role in alleviating these issues by continuously providing food and other necessities [31].

(3)

The social assistance function of convenience stores

Convenience stores play an active role in the field of social welfare, and the “Happiness Guard Station” program implemented in New Taipei City is a concrete example. This program, implemented through the cooperation of the government and convenience stores, provides staple food and beverage assistance to students under 18, fully demonstrating the potential of public–private sector cooperation. This model of cooperation aligns with research results on the contribution of corporate social responsibility practices to social capital, although its intrinsic relationship is complex and multifaceted [32]. By participating in such initiatives, convenience stores not only fulfill their corporate social responsibility obligations but also contribute to the sustainable development of the community, which can also improve the company’s financial performance [33].

To sum up, convenience stores play multiple roles in occupational safety and social security, from improving the safety environment at work and enhancing social service functions to strengthening the government’s ability to respond to disasters, making significant contributions to the sustainable development of Taiwanese society.

6. Discussion

This study aims to deeply explore the social security functions of convenience stores in urban and rural areas of Taiwan, including their specific contributions to social assistance, disaster prevention measures, and occupational and employment security. These research results showed that convenience stores play a key role, not only in meeting the basic living needs of residents but also in improving the social safety net, the availability of disaster relief, and the promotion of healthy foods [34], while creating employment opportunities and raising environmental awareness [35] play a pivotal role.

This study found that the 24-hour operation model and the extensive spatial distribution of convenience stores effectively enhanced a sense of security among local residents, particularly during late-night hours or in areas with poor public safety, becoming an essential reliance for residents [36]. “It’s not just a shop—during the earthquake, it felt like the only place still standing,” said respondent A17, a store clerk in eastern Taiwan. This sentiment was echoed by respondent A19, who recalled helping to distribute bottled water to anxious residents while awaiting emergency supplies.

In addition, previous research points out the positive impact of convenience stores on the local economy and community development [37]. Convenience stores not only significantly boost local economic activity but also create a variety of challenging job opportunities. Research has shown that convenience stores offer diverse positions, ranging from sales assistants to management levels, thereby becoming an important employment source in the informal sector and providing feasible job opportunities for people at high risk of unemployment. “I remember that at the beginning of the day, the elderly came in one by one, saying that it was dark and scary at home, and that the lights were still on and the air-conditioning was on, so it was like a safe haven”, according to A17, a shopkeeper in Hualien. After the earthquake, small shops like this one, although not classified as shelters by the government, naturally became temporary shelters in the community, as respondent A19 recalled. “We hurriedly called the public office to help transfer supplies, and we also asked community volunteers to help us queue up and distribute water, and a few elderly people even said that this was more convenient than the school’s evacuation center.” These temporary mobilization efforts highlight the critical role of convenience stores in Taiwan’s communities—not just as a point of sale for necessities but also as a node of social capital that connects the government, residents, and resources in times of disaster. Non-local residents also highly rated the important role of convenience stores in enhancing Taiwan’s overall environmental awareness. This aligns with the existing research conclusion that social capital is considered a core component of public policy that is related to sustainable communities.

This study’s contribution lies in providing empirical evidence of the various impacts of Taiwan’s convenience stores on social security and employment stability, and it explores, in depth, the roles and functions of convenience stores as seen in different regions and by different stakeholders. The research results also offer directions for future studies, such as further investigating the specific social functions of convenience stores in different regions, their specific support roles and effectiveness in responding to emergencies, and the direct connection between convenience and social security.

7. Conclusions and Recommendations

This study examines the role of convenience stores in social security in urban and rural Taiwan and finds that convenience stores have gradually evolved beyond their original retail function to become an integral component of the social security infrastructure for urban and rural residents. This evolution is particularly evident in the context of rapid urbanization and demographic transformation, where convenience stores are increasingly recognized as community “safe spots” or emergency support stations through formal public–private partnerships. This development has been shown to contribute to enhancing residents’ sense of security and improving emergency response capabilities.

The 24-hour business model and the extensive spatial distribution of convenience stores render them effective in providing psychological comfort and practical protection during nocturnal hours or in areas where public safety is relatively poor. This study also found that in the event of a natural disaster, convenience stores can be rapidly transformed into temporary supply depots through close cooperation with local governments, thereby effectively enhancing the community’s ability to respond. In addition, convenience stores also play an active role in promoting local economic activities, creating diversified employment opportunities, and promoting environmental policies, indicating that convenience stores play multiple key roles in community safety and economic stability.

The following policy recommendations are hereby submitted for consideration:

(1)

It is the responsibility of the government to formally strengthen and institutionalize cooperation mechanisms between convenience stores and public safety agencies. It is imperative that such mechanisms provide a clear delineation of the responsibilities of both parties as community emergency support stations. Furthermore, the government is obligated to furnish appropriate training and resources.

(2)

The promotion of effective public–private partnership models is imperative, with notable examples including New Taipei City’s “Happy Protection Station” food assistance program. Moreover, it is imperative to incentivize convenience stores to enhance their involvement in community support services through the implementation of appropriate measures. Such measures may include recognition and financial subsidies, encompassing food assistance, first-aid supplies, and disaster response center functions.

(3)

The government can use public–private collaboration policies to facilitate the transformation of convenience stores into comprehensive service centers that integrate community cohesion, environmental sustainability, and economic vitality. These centers should be further integrated into the network and the framework of urban planning and community safety policies.

(4)

It is recommended that future studies should adopt big data analysis and geographic information systems (GIS) to discuss how the location and density of convenience stores specifically impact social safety outcomes in different regions, thereby enhancing the precision of policy planning.

(5)

It is imperative that further promotion of cross-national comparative studies is undertaken, in order to analyze how convenience stores in different countries or regions fulfill diverse social support functions under varying policy contexts and cultural differences. This will facilitate an understanding of the influence of institutional factors on the role of social safety.

(6)

It is imperative that research is conducted into the long-term implications of convenience stores for occupational security. This should include an analysis of the impact of the employment opportunities provided by these stores on job stability, career development potential, and social mobility. The findings from such research could then be used to further optimize related labor policies.