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The empowered consumer

Author

Listed:
  • Theresa Mühlthaler

    (Hochschule Macromedia – University of Applied Sciences)

  • Lars Rademacher

    (Hochschule Darmstadt – University of Applied Sciences)

Abstract

The sphere of Consumer Social Responsibilty is of particular relevance considering the increasing environmental problems connected to consumers’ irresponsibility. Nevertheless, even responsible consumers often show a high divergence between attitude and behaviour regarding responsible consumption, the so-called Attitude-Behaviour-Gap. In this context, this article aims to advance the understanding of the social responsibility of consumers and the related Attitude-Behaviour Gap with its influencing factors. The review serves as the basis for a single source, cross-sectional survey which aims to assess the Attitude-Behaviour Gap affecting plastic bag consumption. The study reveals the existence of the gap and a statistically significant impact of various influencing factors. Based on the theoretical and empirical context, it can be concluded that the gap between attitudes towards sustainability and unsustainable behaviour is a crucial and complex area of research, which suggests the need for further and more extensive study.

Suggested Citation

  • Theresa Mühlthaler & Lars Rademacher, 2017. "The empowered consumer," Sustainability Nexus Forum, Springer, vol. 25(3), pages 189-202, November.
    • Handle: RePEc:spr:sumafo:v:25:y:2017:i:3:d:10.1007_s00550-017-0439-6
    DOI: 10.1007/s00550-017-0439-6
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    References listed on IDEAS

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    1. Nina Langen, 2013. "Ethics in Consumer Choice," Springer Books, Springer, edition 127, number 978-3-658-00759-1, December.
    2. Nina Langen, 2013. "Synthesis: Ethics in Consumer Choice and Empirical Analysis based on the Example of Coffee," Springer Books, in: Ethics in Consumer Choice, edition 127, chapter 0, pages 331-344, Springer.
    3. Catherine Janssen & Joëlle Vanhamme, 2015. "Theoretical Lenses for Understanding the CSR–Consumer Paradox," Journal of Business Ethics, Springer, vol. 130(4), pages 775-787, September.
    Full references (including those not matched with items on IDEAS)

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    Cited by:

    1. Gesa Henriette Marken & Jacob Hörisch, 2019. "Purchasing unpackaged food products [Der Einkauf unverpackter Lebensmittel]," Sustainability Nexus Forum, Springer, vol. 27(3), pages 165-175, December.

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