Abstract

PRESSER, Nadi Helena  and  PACIOS LOZANO, Ana Reyes. Critical Information Literacy for Equity and Inclusion. The Case of Obstetric Violence in Brazil. Rev. cuba. inf. cienc. salud [online]. 2023, vol.34  Epub Oct 20, 2023. ISSN 2307-2113.

This article addresses the contributions of Critical Theory as a specific way to investigate and promote training in critical information literacy. Some implications are presented when the Critical Theory model is transposed to the study of information processes and, in particular, the meaning that this theory can have in the development of critical information literacy is delimited. From the methodological point of view, it is based on the contributions of Horkheimer and other authors of this line of thought, to show, from different perspectives, why critical information literacy should be considered by Information Science professionals. The need to acquire critical informational competence is defended to oppose the positivist or scientific attitude and recognizes the contradictions inherent to its own object. The analysis of the case of obstetric violence, an example of null or deficient critical information literacy, shows how the broad and complex performance of institutional and cultural racism, its form of organization and development, through structures, practices, norms, processes and institutional policies, generates interpersonal behaviors and, in a subtle way, naturalizes the inequalities produced in the care of parturients. As a preventive measure, the training in critical information literacy of all professional groups that care for puerperal women is proposed, a task that Information Science professionals should assume, in addition to extending their area of teaching and research to those of medical specialization. like obstetrics.

Keywords : critical information literacy; Information Science; obstetric violence; domination; inequality; Brazil.