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

Abstract

This article introduces the concept of the "superego of the city" by drawing on Freudian psychoanalytic theory to explore the ethical and moral dimensions of contemporary urbanization. As cities undergo rapid transformation driven by metropolization, digitalization, and environmental challenges, traditional urban analysis frameworks have become increasingly inadequate. The "superego of the city" provides a theoretical framework for understanding how urban spaces preserve cultural identity, foster social cohesion, and promote environmental sustainability amid these ongoing changes. By applying this concept to smart city initiatives—specifically in the realm of healthcare waste management—this study demonstrates how the integration of Circular Economy (CE) principles with Industry 4.0 technologies can align technological advancements with the ethical imperatives embodied in the city's collective consciousness.