Informaatiolukutaito osallisuuden ja hyvinvoinnin politiikkana

Abstract

Advancing information literacy (IL) of citizens is considered an objective of welfare policy bringing socio-political and techno-economic advantages. This study contributes to the policy discussions of IL, connecting it with citizen participation. We ask what kind of participation is attached to IL policy and how its relevance is justified. Rhetorical political analysis is applied to the content of Finnish policy documents. The results suggest that – depending on the political context – IL is linked to citizen participation arguments by advocating citizens’ empowerment and involvement in their own affairs, customer co-creation of public services, citizens’ active involvement in digital society and civic participation. IL policy is justified through the rhetoric of democracy, equality, motivation and interaction. Concurrently, IL is described as promoting social inclusion, joint decision-making, digital participation and citizens’ engagement in socio-political activities. This study enhances the understanding of IL as building participatory politics and society.