An examination of Christianity and socially conscious and frugal consumer behaviors

Journal article


Pepper, Miriam, Jackson, Tim and Uzzell, David. (2011). An examination of Christianity and socially conscious and frugal consumer behaviors. Environment and Behavior. 43(2), pp. 274 - 290. https://doi.org/10.1177/0013916510361573
AuthorsPepper, Miriam, Jackson, Tim and Uzzell, David
Abstract

In recent years, the potential of religions for fostering more sustainable consumer behaviors on the part of their adherents has often been invoked. This article provides an overview of research on Christianity and ecologically conscious, socially conscious, and frugal consumer behaviors. Previous research has focused mainly on ecologically conscious consumer behavior, reporting mixed findings, depending on the religion measures that are used. In an extension to this body of work, a U.K.-based survey examining religious influences on socially conscious and frugal consumer behaviors is reported. Weak positive relationships between general religion measures (dispositional religiousness, spirituality, religious service attendance, and Christian identification) and both types of consumer behavior were obtained, suggesting that religion does indeed foster sustainable consumer behaviors, albeit marginally. However, attempts to distinguish among consumer behaviors by means of God concepts were largely unfruitful. Future research needs to investigate the influence of specific religious beliefs about consumerism, wealth, and social justice on consumer behavior. An increased focus on action research would also be valuable.

KeywordsChristianity; religion; consumer behavior; sustainability; frugality
Year2011
JournalEnvironment and Behavior
Journal citation43 (2), pp. 274 - 290
ISSN0013-9165
Digital Object Identifier (DOI)https://doi.org/10.1177/0013916510361573
Scopus EID2-s2.0-79951879270
Page range274 - 290
Research GroupNCLS Research
Publisher's version
File Access Level
Controlled
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https://acuresearchbank.acu.edu.au/item/85998/an-examination-of-christianity-and-socially-conscious-and-frugal-consumer-behaviors

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