Article

 

TECHNOLOGY AND SOCIAL INEQUALITY WITHIN SMART CITIES (p.51-73)

by

Panagiota KONSTANTINOU, UNIVERSITY OF WEST ATTICA

George STATHAKIS, OPEN UNIVERSITYOF CYPRUS

Athina MOUNTZOURI, UNIVERSITY OF WEST ATTICA

Maria-Georgia NOMIKOU, UNIVERSITY OF WEST ATTICA

Keywords : Smart City, Urban Living, Digital Inequalities, Social Exclusion

JEL classification : O33

Abstract

Smart cities have many benefits in terms of human living; however, they haven't eliminated the problems of urban living. Some issues concern the residents within these cities that can affect public well-being and happiness and citizens' trust. At the same time, some voices are trying to highlight the meaning of these cities as socially constructed entities made up of activities and practices. In this sense, new criteria proposed for evaluating smart cities based on happiness, urban planning, mental health and the approach of a more humane side of cities. These approaches work in an alternative way and offer a complete understanding of the ever-evolving technology that brings about urban and social change and the redefinition of "smart cities" many times in smart cities, some groups not given importance. The search for technology and innovation can exclude a portion of citizens from their wellbeing and smooth integration into the urban and social landscape. In this study's context, questionnaires distributed to demonstrate the public perception of the ever-rising digital technology in the context of smart cities. We provide conclusions for either the digitally disabled or those who do not have access to digital equipment.