Freedom of Information Research and Cultural Studies: A Subterranean Affinity

Abstract

Introducing the idea of subterranean affinity, this article explores how methodological use of Freedom of Information (FOI) requests can contribute to the field of cultural studies. Contributing to literatures on transparency and secrecy, we consider six ways that FOI requests can contribute to and extend the field of cultural studies. These six intersections entail a productive engagement with secrecy, which dissolves the typical opposition of transparency and secrecy germane to most FOI discourse. We argue it is methodologically crucial to operate in terms of a subterranean affinity to evade the visibility traps of state agencies while preventing dogmas from emerging.