Possible contributions of the critical analysis of neoliberalism to studies in scientific communication

Abstract

The field of Information Science is regarded as a relatively new discipline within the applied social sciences. Due to its interdisciplinary nature, it benefits significantly from contributions from various fields of knowledge. In this work, we aim to bridge studies in communication with critical analyses of neoliberalism, as discussed by researchers Dardot and Laval. We provide an overview of the history of Information Science in Brazil, highlighting how scientific communication fits into the field, and we outline our understanding of critical theories, encompassing the Frankfurt School and postmodern thought. As a result, we identify eight areas where contributions can be made: 1) The Commodification of Scientific Information; 2) Science Funding; 3) Academic Productivity, Pressure for Publications, and the Culture of Scientific Production; 4) Evaluation of Scientific Output; 5) Impact Metrics; 6) The Scientist as an Entrepreneur of the Self; 7) Social Inequalities in the Neoliberal University; 8) Open Science Practices and Alternative Forms of Scientific Publication. Finally, we present insights on the research potential for scientific communication studies arising from this theoretical approach.