Political Consumerism in Context: An Experiment on Status and Information in Ethical Consumption Decisions

Title: Political Consumerism in Context: An Experiment on Status and Information in Ethical Consumption Decisions
By: Mark Hudson Ian Hudson Jason Edgerton
Summary:

This article investigates two possible explanations for willingness to engage in ethical consumption: increased status and improved information about the benefits of ethical consumption for producers and for nature. We approach our hypotheses through an experimental method in which people are asked, under varying conditions, to choose between fair trade and “conventional” coffee. Unexpectedly, status and information provision did not significantly affect consumption decisions. Implications of our findings for the ethical consumption literature and strategies aimed at increasing ethical consumption are discussed.

TO CITE THIS ARTICLE:

Mark Hudson Ian Hudson Jason Edgerton 2013 Political Consumerism in Context: An Experiment on Status and Information in Ethical Consumption Decisions American Journal of Economics and Sociology 72 (4) 1009-1037

Language: English
Type: Academic Journal
Academic Publication: Yes
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