Understanding ethical consumption decisions: The role of values, attitudes and expectations in the apparel purchasing context

This study provides understanding of factors that affect U.S. consumers\u27 intentions to patronize apparel retail brands that are engaged in corporate social responsibility (CSR). The present study developed a research model based on a dual theoretical framework - theory of reasoned action (TRA) and expectations confirmation theory (ECT). Causal relationships between personal values (universalism and benevolence), moral norms, knowledge of environmental and social issues within the apparel industry, expectations, attitudes and intentions to patronize apparel retail brands engaged in CSR were examined. Data were collected via a web-based survey from a national sample of U.S. consumers who were recruited using the services of a market research company specializing in consumer panel studies - Survey Sampling International (SSI, n.d.). A total of 405 completed surveys were used for the statistical analysis. Preliminary analysis of research data consisted of descriptive analysis, principal components analysis, internal reliability assessment of research variables, and correlation analysis. Confirmatory factor analysis for each construct and measurement model testing was performed. Latent variable structural model testing was conducted for three models - fully recursive, hypothesized model and alternate model using Mplus statistical software (Muthén & Muthén, 2000). Findings of the present study revealed that consumers\u27 knowledge of environmental issues in the apparel industry, moral norms, expectations of ethical behavior, attitudes towards patronizing apparel retail brands engaged in CSR were all important predictors of U.S. consumers\u27 intentions to patronize socially responsible apparel retail brands. Overall, the results of this study confirm applicability of the TRA and ECT in the context of consumers\u27 ethical decision making. Universalism values were found to be predictors of moral norms. Knowledge of environmental issues in the apparel industry and universalism values were found to influence consumers\u27 expectations of retail brands ethical behavior. The findings also revealed that only consumers\u27 moral norms predicted their attitudes towards patronizing apparel retail brands engaged in CSR. However, there was no significant relationship between knowledge of social and environmental issues and expectations of ethical behavior. Also, there were no significant differences in consumers\u27 patronage intentions based on gender, education or household income. An important theoretical contribution of this study is that it supports previous research that indicated extending the TRA and theory of planned behavior to include measures of values and moral norms in ethical context (Conner & Armitage, 1998; Manstead, 2000; Armitage & Conner, 2001). Findings from this study provide an understanding of the significant roles of universalism values and moral norms in consumers\u27 attitude formation, expectations and patronage intentions for apparel products. The results of this study present valuable insights for apparel retail brands engaged in CSR or planning to incorporate CSR policies in their corporate agenda. It is proposed that apparel retail brands should integrate CSR related information in their strategic marketing activities to increase consumer awareness of its socially responsible business practices, which in turn may enhance brand image

Luxury Consumption Behavior: A Value-Based Segmentation of the US Consumers

The USA is the largest consumer of luxury goods (Deloitte, 2014). However, very little is known about ways to market luxury brands (Vigneron & Johnson, 2004). This is especially true in the context of the USA luxury market. To date, few studies have addressed issue of luxury market consumer segmentation within the context of the USA. Therefore, in the present study, attempt is made to segment the USA luxury market based on the Luxury Value Perception (LVP) model proposed by Wiedmann, Hennigs, and Siebels (2009). To our knowledge, this is the first study to exclusively focus on the USA luxury market segmentation based on the LVP model. It is posited that the present study has some theoretical and practical implications

Content analysis of sustainability scholarship in apparel and textiles and its implications for future research

Sustainability is a rising concern in all facets of society. Scholarly research on sustainability has been carried out in various fields with a common goal of providing a sustainable future for people, prosperity and the planet. Different dimensions of sustainability – social, environmental, and economic have been the topic of research in the field of apparel and textiles (e.g., use of environmental friendly textile materials, use-reuse-recycle, second hand clothing, design innovations to minimize waste, company’s socially responsible and ethical practices) (Hethorn & Ulasewiz, 2008). The overall purpose of this study was to examine the types of apparel and textiles research that have been conducted on the topic around sustainability so we could understand the various directions that sustainability related research has taken in this discipline. The results of this study would guide various future research opportunities around this topic in the field

Consumer Attitudes towards LGBT Homeless Youth Cause Related Marketing Campaign: Application of Self Schema Theory

The purpose of this study was to explore consumers\u27 attitudes toward a somewhat socially controversial cause in the context of a CRM campaign, specifically the cause of lesbian, gay, bisexual, and transgender (LGBT) homeless youth. It investigated the effects of positive and negative message framing and the use of guilt appeals on consumer attitudes. Self-schema theory and elaboration likelihood model informed the objectives of this study. Experimental design was used alongwith regression and ANOVA were used to analyze the data. The analysis indicated that attitudes toward the brand, and attitudes toward the cause, positively predicted consumers\u27 purchase intentions. Findings provide support for the idea that consumer-cause fit is an important factor in determining consumer response to a CRM campaign. Consumers evaluate the brand more positively in a cause-brand alliance when they feel the cause is relevant to their self-schema

The Role of Museum Exhibits in Teaching Textiles Related Courses

The concept of learning outside of the traditional, formal classroom setting is an important component of educational pedagogy. Ways to learn beyond the classroom include visiting museums, accessing archives both in person and virtually, and participating in field studies

The Role of Museum Exhibits in Teaching Textile Science

A constant challenge for family and consumer sciences (FCS) educators, particularly those in more scientific-based courses, is keeping students interested in course material and ensuring active participation (Ramey-Gassert, Walberg, & Walberg, 1994). The concept of learning outside of the traditional, formal classroom setting is an important component of FCS educational pedagogy. Methods of learning beyond the FCS classroom include visiting museums, accessing archives—both in person and virtually—and participating in field studies (Roehl, 2013)

‘Making’ as a Catalyst for Engaging Young Female Adolescents in STEM Learning

STEM enrichment programs have demonstrated positive impacts on young female adolescents’ interest and aptitude in STEM, personal/social-psychological well-being, and educational aspirations. Introducing STEM knowledge and skills in an environment of ‘making,’ that is, in a setting of hands-on activities, may further enhance adolescent girls’ engagement in STEM learning. The maker movement, defined as the convergence of technology and traditional artistry, has generated interest among educators for its potential to nurture STEM learning, including its capacity to engage diverse populations of youths in the making of creative objects through experimentation in science, technology, engineering, and math (i.e., STEM-based making). STEM-based making is a way to support young girls, who often approach making from an esthetic or personal expression perspective, to more fully integrate systems and technologies that advance critical thinking, innovative prototyping, and problem-solving into the making process. Insights are presented as to how STEM-based making designed for young female adolescents—a group that has traditionally had limited access to extracurricular STEM experiences as well as to makerspaces—may foster greater access to, and equity in, STEM learning. The role of universities in facilitating access to and equity in STEM-based making also is addressed