ABSTRACT
This chapter draws on the evidence from the literature highlighted previously to directly address the problems in relation to the ethical consumption research that were noted previously. There are clearly tensions within the field, and the chapter explores these tensions and debates related to awareness, knowledge and intentions, the attitude–behaviour gap, neutralisation and licensing, and emotions and outcomes. In doing so, it highlights some of the problems with the research in each of the previous perspectives. The chapter also returns to the question of whether the ethical consumer is, as has been claimed, a ‘myth’ or necessarily involves ‘tragedies’, and what can be done to encourage policymakers, businesses and consumers to share responsibility to bring about positive change in relation to responsible production and consumption. It concludes by offering authors views about the implications for practice and how research in the field is likely to develop in the future.
