Rise of the Right to Know: Politics and the Culture of Transparency, 1945-1975

The right to know emerged in the 1950s, 1960s, and 1970s as reform-oriented politicians, journalists, watchdog groups, and social movements gained leverage. The rapid growth of higher education after 1945 fostered insight and oversight as public values.

Format: Paperback / softback
Length: 368 pages
Publication date: 15 October 2018
Publisher: Harvard University Press

The American founders did not endorse a citizens right to know. However, in our modern era, there has been a significant shift towards greater openness in government, more frankness in communication between doctors and patients, more comprehensive disclosure of information on food manufacturers' package labeling, and increased public awareness of actions that may harm the environment.

This transformation can be traced back to the 1950s, 1960s, and 1970s, a period marked by the rise of reform-oriented politicians, journalists, watchdog groups, and social movements who sought to increase transparency and accountability in various sectors of society.

While the Internet has undoubtedly played a pivotal role in facilitating information access and dissemination, modern transparency dates to a time before its widespread adoption. It was during this period that politicians, journalists, and activists successfully campaigned for greater openness, leading to the adoption of laws and policies that promote transparency and disclosure.

One of the key factors contributing to the rise of transparency is the expansion of higher education after 1945. With the rise of universities and colleges, there was a growing emphasis on inquiry, criticism, and the pursuit of knowledge. This expansive ethos of inquiry and criticism fostered both insight and oversight as public values.

The book "The Rise of the Right to Know" by Michael Schudson is a valuable contribution to the understanding of transparency and its historical development. Schudson argues that modern transparency emerged as a result of a combination of factors, including the growth of reform-oriented politics, the expansion of higher education, and the rise of social movements that demanded greater accountability and openness from government and other institutions.

One of the book's strengths is its insistent emphasis on culture and its interaction with law. Schudson shows that enforceable access to official information creates a momentum towards a better use of what is disclosed and a refinement of how disclosure is best done. He also highlights the importance of transparency in promoting democratic governance, as it allows citizens to hold their leaders accountable and make informed decisions.

Another notable aspect of the book is its reminder that the right to know is not an automatic right. It was hard-won, and fought for by many unknown political soldiers. The book provides a historical account of the struggles and victories that led to the establishment of transparency laws and policies in different countries, including the United States.

Overall, "The Rise of the Right to Know" is a comprehensive and insightful book that sheds light on the historical development of transparency and its significance in modern society. It is a valuable resource for policymakers, activists, and citizens who seek to promote greater openness and accountability in government and other institutions.

Weight: 388g
Dimension: 128 x 202 x 26 (mm)
ISBN-13: 9780674986930