Rethinking the Role of Predatory Journals and Paper Mills in Academic Publishing: a Response to Systemic Pressures
Year: 2024
Type: article
Abstract: This paper examines both the negative and unexpected positive impacts associated with the rise of predatory journals and paper mills, considering the complex structural pressures that have cultivated a publishing ecosystem where fraudulent research thrives. Despite their unethical practices, these entities address critical issues facing academia, including financial barriers, publication delays, and a high-stakes emphasis on publishing quantity over quality. This paper argues that predatory journals and paper mills have proliferated due to a demand created by institutional requirements, financial hurdles posed by major journals, and the monopolistic tendencies of high-impact journals. In examining these issues, this paper calls for rethinking the current publishing framework and advocates for reform to reduce the demand for predatory practices and create a more inclusive research environment.
Language: English
Subfield: History and Philosophy of Science
Field: Arts and Humanities
Domain: Social Sciences
Open Access status: hybrid
OpenAlex ID: W4404832591