Monopolies of knowledge

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According to communication theorist Harold Innis, monopolies of knowledge are created in the atmosphere of hostility between time-biased and space-biased media, wherein one tradition marginalizes the other. In this context, the term "knowledge" refers to all information and data in addition to the products of literacy and science. Those who control knowledge through the dominant media of a given society also control reality, in that they are in a position to define what knowledge is legitimate. Thus, monopolies of knowledge encourage centralization of power.

Innis concluded that monopolies of knowledge lead to an imbalance of power in society, which inhibits development by stifling competition among ideas, traditions and institutions.

[edit] See also

• Harold Innis's communications theories
• Epistemology
• Mass media
• Communication theory
• Media studies

[edit] References

• "Monopolies of Knowledge" in Old Messengers, New Media: The Legacy of Innis and McLuhan, a virtual museum exhibition at Library and Archives Canada
• "Monopolies of Knowledge in Canadian Communication Studies: The Case of Feminist Approaches" in The Canadian Journal of Communication, by Gertrude J. Robinson at McGill University