Blog post #10
RQ: To what extent does a correlation exist between high schoolers’ performance on a test on food sustainability practices and their likelihood of selecting ethically labeled food?
New trend emerging for ethical consumption?
Other articles suggested a surge in the scope and scale of ethical consumption in recent years (Chatterjee et al., 2022). Scholars argue that the preference towards ethical aspects in food production will be more valued over typical products. Additionally, the boycotting of brands that engage in unethical practices has been augmented, which has subsequently led a myriad of organizations to invest in authentic ethical products and practices (Chatterjee et al., 2022). As mentioned previously, these consumer demands have compelled companies to reevaluate their practices and make investments in ethical practices.
Moreover, Potter et al.’s findings also give credence to the positive impact of eco-labels, demonstrating a statistically significant reduction in environmental impact scores. This is pertinent as Chatterjee et al.’s study is the most recent of the previously listed articles, further corroborating the idea of evolving societal values. Chatterjee et al. further highlight the positive effects of ethical consumption, emphasizing increased consumer awareness and a growing trend wherein companies respond to the demand for ethically produced products.
In the modern day, the concept of ethical consumption has drastically changed, reflecting the shifting societal attitudes and norms (Chatterjee et al., 2022). Early consumer cooperatives emphasized the quality of goods to the popularization of the term “ethical consumption” in the late 20th century. The 21st century has witnessed a surge in activists’ attention to workers’ rights in developing countries, as well as an increased concern for a more ethical means of production leading to consumer boycotts and improvements in working conditions (Chatterjee et al., 2022).