The construction of smartness. Some sociological reflections about women and smart city

Our cities and in general our social contexts are becoming increasingly “smart”. The process of smartification concerns every area: city, community, home, politics, individual person (Iannuzzi 2018; Iannone 2018; Iannone et al. 2018). In this process, the pivotal role is undoubtedly represented by the technological element. There is no smart context if it is not at the same time also technological. In the relationship between technology and smart society, a fundamental role is played by women. It has been analyzed, for example, that women are much more sensitive and responsible than men towards environmental issues. Or again, a smart society is based on the importance of the pedagogical dimension, which is also realized through the practice of play: contexts in which the female element becomes central. An example of the importance of the role of women in this area is Fumiko Hayashi, mayor of Yokohama from 2009 to 2021, who immediately set her city administration in terms of innovation, cooperation, sustainability, and efficiency. Previously, she was president of BMW Tokyo and Tokyo Nissan, gaining managerial experience of high responsibility. Hayashi has not only dealt with markets and businesses, but also with civil rights, equal opportunities, and social inclusion. She launched one of the most innovative smart city platforms in the world: the “Yokohama Smart City Project” (YSCP). This paper aims, therefore, to analyze from a sociological point of view the role of women within the smart society, with the aim of highlighting the characteristic elements of women's contribution to this topic.