Flexibility, Dissonance and the conscious consumer

This paper considers the ethical purchasing of what are described as conscious consumers. Conscious consumers present a complex mix of behaviors; while seeking ethical alternatives, other social and economic forces impact on their behavior such that positive ethical choices are not always made. We identify two areas of theory relevant to the conceptualization of such consumers, flexibility and dissonance theory. A study of nine participants identified as conscious consumers was undertaken. As anticipated the participants revealed a range of often contradictory behaviors regarding their ethical purchases. The relevance of flexibility and dissonance theory to their behavior is discussed

Too old to choose? the effects of age and age related constructs on consumer decision making

Aging of societies is a major challenge to academic research as well as to management. The unstoppable trend of an aging society in most western societies offers opportunities and challenges at the same time. This paper sheds light on the impact of age as well as age-related constructs on relevant consumer attitudes and behavior. More precisely, the empirical study, conducted in the market for cars, examining the relationships between four distinct age constructs and assesses the impact of these age constructs on information gathering, a consumer's evoked set, and on brand loyalty

Responsible waste disposal: An exploratory study of affluent British and Brazilian consumers

This paper explores how British and Brazilian consumers dispose of their unwanted or no longer used goods. Post-consumption environmental impact has become a global issue, and the need for consumers to reduce, reuse and recycle is paramount. A study of seven participants with recycling experience was undertaken. Divergent concerns in relation to waste, and distinct symbolic roles for disposition reflected the economically distinct contexts of the participants. Insights from this study can inform future consumer and policy research, and provide a more holistic view of the consumer behavior cycle

Creating a bigger ZPD by extending learning process via online forum

Formal learning usually takes place in a four wall classroom. An extension of learning process may continue to occur in a conventional setting where learners get together physically after class hours. In other words, learning may take place within particular zones. Vygotsky’s idea of zone of proximal development (ZPD) suggests that learning may not only take place within a prescribed zone but also outside the prescribed zone. The prescribed zone usually has a set of objectives to be achieved by the learners. However, during the learning process, some learners may learn and/or acquire more knowledge or skills beyond targeted objectives if there is room for them to do so. The non-prescribed zone is determined by the learners’ own initiatives and efforts. With the advancement of internet technology, learners are now able to extend their learning/acquisition process via online forum. This paper will describe how learners viewed online forum activity that was used in two separate classes for two consecutive semesters at a local university. It will also discuss some pedagogical principles in implementing online forum in courses and a few implications that need to be considered by policy makers, teachers/instructors, and ICT coordinators

UK Consumers Priorities for Sustainable Food Purchases

Although interest in ‘sustainable food’ has grown substantially in recent years, an official definition for sustainability has yet to be agreed upon. ‘Sustain: the alliance for better food and farming’ provide guidance to consumers wishing to make more sustainable food purchases, in the form of seven guiding principles. Using these principles, this study seeks to assess UK consumer’s priorities towards sustainable food. A detailed structured questionnaire explored shopping habits, attitudes to sustainable food components (organic, fair-trade, local food and animal welfare), stated purchasing behaviour and demographic information. Questionnaires were sent to 2,500 randomly selected Nottinghamshire (UK) residents. A response rate of 35.6% was achieved. The data reveals that consumers prioritise packaging, how food is produced and animal welfare when considering sustainable food components. Stated purchasing behaviour demonstrates that ‘free range’ and ‘local’ products are more likely to take precedence over other sustainability aspects. Future research will seek to compare and contrast stated and actual preferences by comparing the population survey results to actual purchasing behaviour from supermarket data.Consumer, sustainable food, purchasing behaviour, free range, local, animal welfare, Food Consumption/Nutrition/Food Safety,

School Leadership For Latinx, Immigrant Students And Families: Centering Advocacy And Critical Care

This paper examines the role of school leadership in centering the rights, wellbeing, and identities of Latinx, immigrant students and their families. It is guided by the following questions: How do school leaders envision and articulate their roles and responsibilities in sites serving immigrant youth? How does this orientation influence the policies and practices they enact in their schools? Drawing on a three-year case study of a public high school that almost exclusively serves Latinx, immigrant students, this paper illustrates how a school’s leadership can apply an advocacy approach and notions of critical care to more holistically serve students and their families. As a “site of possibility,” this school and its leadership suggest important considerations for policy and practice in other contexts, especially in a political environment that is hostile to immigrants and in the aftermath of a pandemic that has taken a disproportionate toll on immigrant youth and their families