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http://bura.brunel.ac.uk/handle/2438/1272
Title: | Empowerment, waste and new consumption communities |
Authors: | Bekin, C Carrigan, M Szmigin, I |
Keywords: | Waste;Consumers;Ethnography;Empowerment |
Issue Date: | 2006 |
Publisher: | Emerald Group Publishing Limited |
Citation: | International Journal of Sociology and Social Policy, 26(1/2): 32-47 |
Abstract: | Purpose – This paper aims to explore the diverse and complementary resistance and waste-reduction practices adopted by UK-based New Consumption Communities, and whether such behaviours empower them to achieve their environmental and social goals. Design/methodology/approach – The methodology can be broadly classified as critical ethnography, which acknowledges the researcher’s own subjectivity, how the informants are treated and represented, and the study’s wider context (Peñaloza, 1994). A participant-observer role is employed and six distinct New Consumption Communities are explored. Findings – It is suggested that through their resistance and empowerment, as well as a reconnection to production, the communities are able to implement alternatives to the wasteful practices of mainstream consumption behaviour, and achieve (partial) autonomy from the hegemonic forces of the market. Originality/value – This paper’s original perspective on waste is not limited to a small group of consumers, and thus should interest marketers and policy makers engaged in the advancement of sustainability and green marketing. Keywords – Consumer Empowerment; Voluntary Simplicity; Waste; Ethnography Paper type – Research paper |
URI: | http://bura.brunel.ac.uk/handle/2438/1272 |
DOI: | http://dx.doi.org/10.1108/01443330610644416 |
ISSN: | 0144-333X |
Appears in Collections: | Business and Management Brunel Business School Research Papers |
Files in This Item:
File | Description | Size | Format | |
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Empowerment+and+waste+final(1).pdf | 733.34 kB | Adobe PDF | View/Open |
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