Consumer perspectives towards modern slavery

Carrington, M., Chatzidakis, A. and Shaw, D. (2023) Consumer perspectives towards modern slavery. In: Carrigan, M., Wells, V. K. and Papadas, K. A. (eds.) Research Handbook on Ethical Consumption: Contemporary Research in Responsible and Sustainable Consumer Behaviour. Edward Elgar: Cheltenham, pp. 51-69. ISBN 9781802202014 (doi: 10.4337/9781802202021.00009)

Abstract

In this chapter, we explore the role of consumption in generating demand for goods and services that integrate slave labour within their production. We focus on perceptions of this slavery in the production-consumption systems that we (as consumers) routinely engage in, how we categorise slavery form other—legitimate—forms of work, and how we determine whether reparative action is warranted or, indeed, even possible. This action can be consumption or civic oriented. Finally, we draw on psycho-social perspectives to show how consumers engage in cognitive tactics of neutralisation and legitimation to dissipate feelings of guilt and responsibility, and to justify continuing consumption of the products of slavery.

• Item Type: Book Sections
• Status: Published
• Glasgow Author(s) Enlighten ID: Chatzidakis, Dr Andreas and Shaw, Professor Deirdre
• Authors: Carrington, M., Chatzidakis, A., and Shaw, D.
• College/School: College of Social Sciences > Adam Smith Business School; College of Social Sciences > Adam Smith Business School > Management
• Publisher: Edward Elgar
• ISBN: 9781802202014