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http://dx.doi.org/10.5934/KJHE.2012.21.3.505

A Study on Changes in Cognition and Practice of Undergraduate Students After Taking the Course 'Consumption and Ethics'  

Chun, Kyung-Hee (Dept. of Consumer and Housing Studies, the Catholic University of Korea)
Song, In-Sook (Dept. of Consumer and Housing Studies, the Catholic University of Korea)
Hong, Yeon-Geum (Dept. of Consumer and Housing Studies, the Catholic University of Korea)
Yoon, Myung-Ae (Dept. of Consumer and Housing Studies, the Catholic University of Korea)
Publication Information
Korean Journal of Human Ecology / v.21, no.3, 2012 , pp. 505-526 More about this Journal
Abstract
The purpose of this research is to investigate changes in ethical consumption practices after taking an undergraduate course 'Consumption and Ethics'. Through Qualitative & Quantitative research methods, students' pre-course and post-course attitudes were compared to understand changes in behavior. Before taking the course 'Consumption and Ethics', undergraduate participants displayed little regard for ethical consumption, instead displaying primary sensitivity to price and values based on self-centered and conspicuous consumption. After taking the course 'Consumption and Ethics', participants displayed a more altruistic awareness of consumption on society and the environment. In addition, participants displayed a stronger sense of pride as ethical consumer. These emerging values were contrasted with conflicting feelings resulting from the higher prices often associated with ethical products, feelings of regret resulting from ethically-based impulse purchases, and an inability to categorically evaluate the reliability of available information on the ethical products. However, participants demonstrated a willingness to practice ethical consumption and recommend ethical consumption to their friends and neighbors. Overall, participants in the study demonstrated a strong shift to be an ethical consumer as a result of taking the course 'Consumption and Ethics'.
Keywords
undergraduates; ethical consumption; social responsibility; qualitative research methods; consumer education;
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Times Cited By KSCI : 7  (Citation Analysis)
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