Open access: a means for social justice and greater social cohesion

This paper discusses open access and the information resources of Open Access Repositories (OARs). OARs constitute a contemporary response regarding the dissemination of information. Thus, it is important to examine theoretical arguments about the desirability of OARs in the digital age. This paper argues that OARs can be seen as a form of social justice and can strengthen social cohesion in modern societies. The argument relies on the concept of public policy as one means of achieving social justice. The discussion about OARs aligns with public policy, and social justice considerations should be examined. This paper demonstrates that public policy should focus on social cohesion, and that open access can be considered as instrument towards social cohesion This paper is divided into three broad topics First, this paper addresses the two main justifications for access to knowledge: a) the philosophical justification, based on the concept that knowledge is power, and it is significant that everyone has access to knowledge; and b) the pragmatic justification that it is impractical to enforce copyright in the traditional sense in this digital age. Second, this paper examines the concept of social justice and relevant theories. Third, the author analyses theories concerning connections between public policy and social justice towards social cohesion. In conclusion, this paper argues that public policy objectives ameliorate the balance between copyright owners and end-users competing interests through open access practice.

Trefwoorden:A1 Journal article

BOF-keylabel:ja

Toegankelijkheid:Open