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Article

Market based political action: a path to sustainable development?

Details

Citation

Black I & Shaw D (2010) Market based political action: a path to sustainable development?. Sustainable Development, 18 (6), pp. 385-397. https://doi.org/10.1002/sd.415

Abstract
This paper critiques market based political action (consumption as voting) with the aim of assessing its use as a means of political and societal action capable of helping develop a sustainable economy. Despite being able to motivate change within the market place, overall it is found to be limited in its direct ability to affect social change and lead the development of a more sustainable economy. However, it is found to be a useful form of political participation that encourages engagement and has a role in sending general messages to governments regarding citizens' willingness to take action over important social and environmental issues. These conclusions are based on the finding that consumers' signals and market's reactions to specific campaigns within sustainable development may be inconsistent, unclear or weak. However, overall this market action does send clear messages regarding the broader issues and people's desire to see action upon them.

Keywords
sustainable development; fair trade; consumer sovereignty; boycotting

Journal
Sustainable Development: Volume 18, Issue 6

StatusPublished
Funders
Publication date30/11/2010
Publication date online22/11/2010
Date accepted by journal05/03/2009
URL
PublisherJohn Wiley and Sons Ltd
ISSN0968-0802
eISSN1099-1719