Opposing book bans: a resilient and subversive information practice

Abstract

Introduction. In this paper, we discuss the concepts of censorship, resilience and information precarity. We explain the framework of information precarity and emphasise the agentic responses of marginalised communities, then show that book bans restrict vital access to valuable information. Yet marginalised communities respond through resilience and subversive practices to oppose book bans. 

Method. Reflective, conceptual essay; no empirical data.

Analysis. The paper utilises prior research to demonstrate how marginalised communities respond agentically to information precarity (as illustrated, in this paper, with book bans). 

Results. Opposing book bans through subversive and proactive actions is a form of resilience demonstrated by marginalised communities. 

Conclusions. Censorship, particularly through book challenges, is one way that people attempt to maintain inequity and information precarity. When marginalised communities oppose book bans, they are working to preserve access to diverse books. This approach needs to be critically examined in future work.