5th ISA Forum of Sociology (6-11 July 2025)

This session focuses into the sociological dimensions of smart cities, especially on how integrating advanced technologies into urban infrastructure affects social life, governance, and urban inequalities. Smart cities leverage IoT (Internet of Things), big data analytics, AI, and other innovations to enhance urban efficiency, sustainability, and livability. However, these advancements also raise critical questions about social equity, privacy, and the nature of public spaces.

We will explore the multifaceted impact of smart city initiatives on various social groups, emphasizing how technology-driven urban environments can both bridge and widen social divides. Presentations will cover topics such as the digital divide in access to smart city technologies, the implications of surveillance and data collection for privacy and civil liberties, and the reshaping of public spaces through digital governance.

We would also like to discuss the governance models of smart cities and their implications for democratic participation. Participants are encouraged to present surveys and case studies from different global contexts to understand how smart city policies are designed and implemented, and how they affect citizen engagement and empowerment. The session will also address the potential of smart city technologies to foster sustainable development and environmental stewardship, juxtaposed with concerns about technological determinism and the marginalization of non-digital urban experiences. By integrating empirical research and theoretical insights, this session aims to provide a comprehensive understanding of the sociological challenges and opportunities presented by smart cities.