The Superego of the City: Integrating Psychoanalytic Theory with Sustainable Urbanization in the Age of Industry 4.0

The authors

Jean‐Claude Lévy is an associate researcher at BIBS who published together with professor Dominique Bonet Fernandez from IPAG Business School in France an insightful research note on smart city from a Freudian perspective.

This article introduces the concept of the ”super ego of the city” by drawing on Freudian psychoanalytic theory to explore the ethical and moral dimensions of contemporary urbanization. It examines how cities preserve cultural identity, foster social cohesion, and promote environmental sustainability amid rapid transformations driven by metropolization, digitalization, and environmental challenges.

Findings

The application of the ”superego of the city” framework demonstrates how urban spaces can effectively integrate technological advancements with ethical and moral imperatives.This alignment helps cities maintain their cultural identity, enhance social cohesion, and achieve environmental sustainability.

Take aways

The findings offer valuable insights for urban planners and policy makers on utilizing the ”superego of the city” as a holistic framework to guide sustainable, inclusive, and culturally resonant urban development. It highlights the importance of ethical considerations in planning and implementing smart city technologies.

Read the full paper here