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An analysis of ethical consumption participation and motivation

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dc.contributor.authorLong, Michael Andrew, author
dc.contributor.authorRaynolds, Laura T., 1959-, advisor
dc.contributor.authorBerry, Kenneth J., committee member
dc.contributor.authorLittrell, Mary Ann, committee member
dc.contributor.authorMurray, Douglas L., 1947-, committee member
dc.coverage.spatialColorado
dc.date.accessioned2007-01-03T04:41:43Z
dc.date.available2007-01-03T04:41:43Z
dc.date.issued2010
dc.description.abstractConsumption is part of everyone's lives. Throughout history the act of consumption was used exclusively for material needs satisfaction and, for some, as a mechanism to display wealth. However, in contemporary society, an increasing number of people are using consumption choices to support issues and causes. This growing trend is often referred to as ethical consumption. This study explores who participations in ethical consumption and why they choose to do so. I recommend a new methodological approach for the study of ethical consumption that focuses on ethical behaviors and the motivations for that behavior. I demonstrate that ethical consumption is prevalent in Colorado using a state-wide mail survey and focus groups. Bivariate and multivariate analyses of survey data and focus group discussions show that liberal political affiliation, higher levels of education and holding postmateralist values are significantly related to higher levels of participation in ethical consumption. The findings also highlight the different motivations of individuals for engaging in ethical consumption. I find two major categories of values-based consumers: ethical consumers who use their purchasing decisions to support broad issues and more directed political consumers who strive to create social change with their consumption choices. Finally, I discover that some ethical consumers create a collective identity with other ethical consumers. The results highlight how many individuals use non-economically rational consumption choices to engage with social issues.
dc.format.mediumborn digital
dc.format.mediumdoctoral dissertations
dc.identifierLong_colostate_0053A_10055.pdf
dc.identifierETDF2010100001SOLO
dc.identifier.urihttp://hdl.handle.net/10217/40470
dc.languageEnglish
dc.language.isoeng
dc.publisherColorado State University. Libraries
dc.relation.ispartof2000-2019
dc.rightsCopyright and other restrictions may apply. User is responsible for compliance with all applicable laws. For information about copyright law, please see https://libguides.colostate.edu/copyright.
dc.subject.lcshConsumption (Economics) -- Moral and ethical aspects -- Colorado
dc.subject.lcshEthical culture movement -- Colorado
dc.subject.lcshConsumer behavior -- Moral and ethical behavior -- Colorado
dc.subject.lcshSocial justice
dc.titleAn analysis of ethical consumption participation and motivation
dc.typeText
dcterms.rights.dplaThis Item is protected by copyright and/or related rights (https://rightsstatements.org/vocab/InC/1.0/). You are free to use this Item in any way that is permitted by the copyright and related rights legislation that applies to your use. For other uses you need to obtain permission from the rights-holder(s).
thesis.degree.disciplineSociology
thesis.degree.grantorColorado State University
thesis.degree.levelDoctoral
thesis.degree.nameDoctor of Philosophy (Ph.D.)

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