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Perspectives, Opportunities and Tensions in Ethical and Sustainable Luxury: Introduction to the Thematic Symposium

Author

Listed:
  • Victoria-Sophie Osburg

    (University of Sheffield)

  • Iain Davies

    (University of Bath, Combe Down)

  • Vignesh Yoganathan

    (University of Bradford)

  • Fraser McLeay

    (University of Sheffield)

Abstract

Scholars agree that the environmental and societal impacts of consumption require greater attention, and need examining in more diverse market contexts. This editorial essay focuses on the nascent area of ethical/sustainable luxury, and critically considers how the scope of ethical/sustainable consumption can be broadened in the luxury sector. We address the compatibility of ethicality/sustainability and luxury by examining a range of opportunities (e.g., durability, rarity, quality, local embedment) and inherent tensions (e.g., excess, prestige, self-gratification, uniqueness) in relation to improving the ethical/sustainable consumption practices within the luxury sector. We also introduce several original articles published as part of this Thematic Symposium, whose arguments underscore both the merits, and flaws, of ethical/sustainable luxury. On the basis of this and prior research, we present a balanced perspective by identifying various factors that facilitate or inhibit the acceptance and furtherance of ethicality/sustainability within sector. Thus, this essay serves as a springboard for further research and development in ethical/sustainable luxury whilst simultaneously highlighting the importance of the topic in general.

Suggested Citation

  • Victoria-Sophie Osburg & Iain Davies & Vignesh Yoganathan & Fraser McLeay, 2021. "Perspectives, Opportunities and Tensions in Ethical and Sustainable Luxury: Introduction to the Thematic Symposium," Journal of Business Ethics, Springer, vol. 169(2), pages 201-210, March.
    • Handle: RePEc:kap:jbuset:v:169:y:2021:i:2:d:10.1007_s10551-020-04487-4
    DOI: 10.1007/s10551-020-04487-4
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    Cited by:

    1. López, Belén & Rangel-Pérez, Celia & Fernández, Manuel, 2023. "Sustainable strategies in the luxury business to increase efficiency in reducing carbon footprint," Journal of Business Research, Elsevier, vol. 157(C).
    2. Smirti Kutaula & Alvina Gillani & Diana Gregory-Smith & Boris Bartikowski, 2024. "Ethical Consumerism in Emerging Markets: Opportunities and Challenges," Journal of Business Ethics, Springer, vol. 191(4), pages 651-673, May.
    3. Joëlle Vanhamme & Adam Lindgreen & Gülen Sarial-Abi, 2023. "Luxury Ethical Consumers: Who Are They?," Journal of Business Ethics, Springer, vol. 183(3), pages 805-838, March.
    4. Trespeuch Léo & Robinot Élisabeth, 2023. "Exploring the Impact of Corporate Philanthropy on Brand Authenticity in the Luxury Industry: Scale Development and Empirical Studies," Sustainability, MDPI, vol. 15(16), pages 1-21, August.
    5. Pedro, Yael & Friedmann, Enav & Loureiro, Sandra Maria Correia, 2024. "High-end fashion as a social phenomenon: Exploring the perceptions of designers and consumers," Journal of Retailing and Consumer Services, Elsevier, vol. 79(C).
    6. Victoria-Sophie Osburg & Vignesh Yoganathan & Fabian Bartsch & Mbaye Fall Diallo & Hongfei Liu, 2024. "How Sustainable Luxury Influences Product Value Perceptions and Behavioral Intentions: A Comparative Study of Emerging vs. Developed Markets," Journal of Business Ethics, Springer, vol. 191(4), pages 713-738, May.
    7. Lee Park, Camila & Fracarolli Nunes, Mauro, 2024. "Vegan luxury for non-vegan consumers: Impacts on brand trust and attitude towards the firm," Journal of Retailing and Consumer Services, Elsevier, vol. 77(C).
    8. Marlene Vock, 2022. "Luxurious and responsible? Consumer perceptions of corporate social responsibility efforts by luxury versus mass-market brands," Journal of Brand Management, Palgrave Macmillan, vol. 29(6), pages 569-583, November.

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