Julkisuus

Julkisuus is a Finnish term that translates roughly as “publicity” or “publicness” and is used in several scholarly and policy contexts. In everyday language it often denotes the state or quality of being open to the public or exposed to public attention. In social and political theory, julkisuus refers to the public sphere—the arena in which citizens exchange information, form opinions, and hold power to account. The concept is closely linked to the idea of a healthy democratic discourse, where arguments are debated publicly and authorities are subjected to scrutiny.

The theoretical roots of julkisuus lie in the German term Öffentlichkeit and the work of Jürgen Habermas, though Finnish writers adapt the idea to local political culture, media, and Nordic democratic norms. In practice, julkisuus encompasses both media visibility—the work of journalism, press freedom, and public communication—and the broader space of civic conversation beyond state institutions. Various actors, including public bodies, corporations, and civil society, contribute to julkisuus by sharing information, engaging in debate, and exposing misconduct.

Digitalization has expanded julkisuus through social media, online forums, and citizen journalism, while also introducing challenges such as misinformation, filter bubbles, and unequal access. Policy and law seeking to protect julkisuus emphasize transparency, freedom of expression, and access to information, alongside safeguards for privacy and security. The vitality of the public sphere depends on inclusive participation, media literacy, and diverse voices reaching the broader public.

See also: Habermas, public sphere, media transparency, freedom of information.