The car: a socio-technical challenge

Abstract

The system of the automobile includes physical, technical, and human components, but as the system matures, the symmetry among components is lost. The car takes on a precise trajectory, autonomy and momentum, the flexibility of the components is lost, and the degree of freedom of the human agents is reduced. Recent decades have seen the stabilization of motorized mobility. Furthermore, lifestyles, the social environment, and the organization of the territory adapt to the needs of the automobile. In this article, we will clarify the evolution of motorized mobility in Gipuzkoa and, adopting a socio-technical perspective, we will explain that evolution and make suggestions for a sustainable transport.