Compassion and Fashion – Part 1

8 thoughts on “Compassion and Fashion – Part 1”

1. The study discussed in the FIT Blog focuses on the intersection of consumer behavior, sustainability, and social responsibility, particularly within the fashion industry.
   Dr. Shireen Musa’s research highlights the importance of understanding the attributes of consumers who choose Fair Trade fashion products. By developing scales to measure compassion and desire for sustainability awareness, the study provides valuable insights into the motivations driving individuals to support Fair Trade practices.
   For students studying International Trade and Marketing (ITM), this research is important because it shows how consumer preferences can affect global trade. As more people care about where their clothes come from and how they’re made, businesses need to pay attention to these preferences. Understanding what drives people to support Fair Trade can help companies make better products and decisions.

   The study also shows that Fair Trade practices can make a positive difference in the fashion industry by promoting fair wages and helping the environment. For ITM students, learning about Fair Trade can help them understand how trade can be done in a way that’s fair to people and good for the planet.

2. This journal was a very interesting text to read, as I found the connection between compassion and fair trade fascinating, especially in relation to the fashion industry. This industry is a significantly substantial contributor of industrial pollution, and there has been a consistently increasing demand for sustainable products from the industry. It is an alarming reality to face that even with this societal push, the industry remains largely unsustainable in practices and products. I have found it hopeful and educational throughout this semester that Fair Trade practices have the potential to assist the fashion industry in developing long-term sustainability solutions. I found the information that Fair Trade apparel and textile consumers who had more concern for laborers and more appreciation for values centered on society were more likely to support the principles of Fair Trade quite intriguing. For the business of international trade, implementing practices that promote efforts to identify and analyze consumers of Fair Trade products can be vital. The findings can influence decisions of firms along their supply chains and product life cycle processes. This can result in adjustments or evolutions within the steps of the supply chain, such as country sourcing, identifying suppliers, and importation decisions. These are crucial aspects of importing and exporting various products along the supply chain and it is very valuable to be aware that applying the COOE and DSA scales within companies can be beneficial for them and others. The companies gain the opportunity to enhance their understanding of what their consumers care about, and in turn, what they should care about.

3. This study was a great read as it really dives into the topic of sustainability and corporate social responsibility, specifically within the fashion industry, supply chains, and more. Corporate social responsibility has seen an upwards demand in recent years and I believe that we, as a whole, are going in the right direction. Supply chains and production processes can get very complicated as cost-effective alternatives are aimed for, but that can lead to unfair wages and working conditions for the workers actually making the products. However, as Musa reiterates in her paper, Fair Trade practices and products help bridge this gap. Not to mention, these practices aren’t only for the assurance of fair practices for workers, but also for our environment. Climate change is a huge issue in our world right now and actions must be taken before it is too late. Half of what I learn as an ITM major is the awareness of what fashion industry practices may do to our environment and how we can ensure that we are doing things sustainably and for the improvement of our world environment and ecological systems.

   This article moves more into the concept of compassion for oneself, others, and the environment. I found this concept so interesting as I was reading since it is completely true and viable. Compassion for others and the environment is so crucial when it comes to consumer behavior. Compassion for different cultures and traditions, marginalized communities, and what production factors affect the people of the world and our environment. However, the part of “oneself” in COOE really lit a fire in me. If you were to lack compassion for others and the environment, at least live a healthy lifestyle for yourself. Supporting fair trade products and practices, if nothing else matters, only benefits oneself. Buying products that are sustainable helps the environment that you live in. It is only beneficial to you, even if you don’t believe in such practices. Everyone is going through a climate change crisis together, so if not to help others and the environment, might as well help yourself and become aware of how your consumer behavior affects you.

4. The study highlights the growing significance of ethical issues in international commerce and marketing by demonstrating the significance of compassion and environmental awareness as major drivers of Fair commerce consumption. Businesses need to modify their strategies as customers grow more aware of the social and environmental effects of the products they buy. Understanding and utilizing these consumer traits may help foreign marketers create product development methods that are appropriate for a variety of cultural contexts as well as focused marketing efforts. Additionally, the release of new sustainability and compassion awareness assessment scales gives marketers useful tools to target and segment customer groups interested in Fair Trade clothing in international marketplaces. Moreover, the study illuminates the discrepancy between the prevailing practices in the fashion sector and the calls for corporate social responsibility programs such as Fair Trade. International commerce and marketing professionals have both possibilities and problems as a result of this imbalance. Businesses may become more competitive and gain the trust of ecologically and socially conscientious customers by responding to customer concerns and encouraging ethical supply chain practices. Furthermore, the study’s emphasis on Fair Trade in the fashion industry highlights how ethical consumer trends have the power to impact global trade dynamics, influencing supply chain procedures and trade patterns on a larger scale. Overall, the research conducted provides insightful information about the behavior of Fair commerce consumers, which has important ramifications for global commerce/International Trade and marketing tactics, as we learn in the related course. The research contributes to our understanding of ethical consumption trends in the fashion industry and their effects on global trade dynamics by looking at the roles of compassion and environmental awareness. Findings from research such as this one may help firms make strategic decisions and promote ethical and sustainable practices across the fashion supply chain as they negotiate the complexity of global marketplaces.

5. I really enjoyed reading this journal. It highlights the growing importance of Fair Trade practices and ethical consumerism in today’s fashion industry, discussing the development of new constructs to measure consumers’ compassion for themselves, others, and the environment (COOE) and their desire for sustainability awareness (DSA). It rightly emphasizes the increasing awareness and demand for Fair Trade and socially responsible products among consumers, reflecting a positive trend that signifies a growing consciousness about the social and environmental impact of consumer choices. Furthermore, the fashion industry’s conventional practices, often criticized for their environmental and social impact, are correctly highlighted for their unsustainability, encompassing issues such as low-cost labor, poor working conditions, and waste production. This underscores the urgent need for more sustainable practices in the industry. Corporate Social Responsibility (CSR) initiatives like Fair Trade are crucial in addressing the negative aspects of the fashion industry.
   The journal underscores the role of CSR in promoting ethical practices and better treatment of workers in developing countries, representing an essential aspect of responsible business conduct. The development of new constructs to measure consumers’ compassion and sustainability awareness represents a significant step forward. Understanding these attributes can assist businesses in tailoring their marketing strategies and product offerings to align with consumer values and preferences. Moreover, the application of Social Identity Theory to the concept of compassion and consumer behavior adds an intriguing dimension. It suggests that consumers who identify with socially responsible values are more likely to make ethical choices in their purchasing decisions. Ultimately, the journal advocates for the support of Fair Trade practices and products, serving as a call to action for both consumers and businesses to contribute to a more ethical and sustainable fashion industry.

6. I have learned that the concept of a holistic compassion construct (COOE) was introduced in 2015 and refers to a person’s level of caring, patience, and respect towards themselves, others, and the environment. Studies have shown that individuals with higher levels of COOE are more likely to support principles of Fair Trade, such as fair wages and workplace safety for laborers. COOE is also linked to individual and communal well-being beliefs and practices, including being kind and respectful towards oneself and others. People who are concerned about social and environmental issues are likely to have increased levels of empathy and consideration for others and find unethical behaviors unacceptable. This COOE construct can be used to analyze Fair Trade fashion consumption and its impact on individuals and society.
   This subject has caught my attention because of how helping the environment is so important since it also links to being respectful to others and helping others. Benefiting the environment not only has helped the environment, but when our surroundings are in welfare, then this will benefit the people.

7. The study on Fair Trade fashion consumer attributes is a crucial addition to the ongoing conversation about sustainability in the fashion industry. As someone who was recently introduced to the concept of sustainability at a conference, I have come to understand the importance of promoting and supporting sustainable practices in fashion. This study highlights the significance of consumer compassion and sustainability awareness in the Fair Trade fashion industry and provides valuable insights into how we can make ethical and sustainable fashion choices. I believe that we should all care about the planet and take responsibility for our actions, and this study reinforces the need to consider the environmental impact of our purchases. Overall, I appreciate the knowledge shared in this study and the emphasis on the importance of promoting sustainability in the fashion industry.

8. I really enjoyed reading this paper and its unique perspective on fair trade consumers. Self-compassion is an all-encompassing concept and when one has compassion for themselves, they will also have compassion for others, the planet, and will probably be more inclined to make mindful and educated purchases, with environmental and ethical issues in mind. Using COOE and DSA measurements can provide a new framework for attributing consumers and promoting awareness of these considerations in the fashion industry.
   When thinking about how “CSR is also often seen as corporate citizenship or conscious capitalism”, it almost feels like irony. An issue with CSR is that corporations are designed to be profit-driven, and in a competitive market, decisions are made with the cost of expense in mind, which historically sacrifices the wellbeing and treatment of manufacturers behind the scenes, and for this reason sustainability initiatives seem counterintuitive. However, we are in an interesting time where diffusion due to technology, social media, and growing awareness is raising the general standard for what should be prioritized and even subject to as well as the increasing number of sustainability initiatives. As these initiatives become the norm, or an expectation, the COOE and DSA scales can guide research in the right direction as the fashion industry can be a mediator in leveraging social norms in a compassionate direction.
   I found the compatibility of COOE with Social Identity Theory intriguing. I think this theory can actually apply to the fashion industry in many ways, as its evolution is largely transformed within the context of social groups and identity. With sustainability concerns predominating, there is the diffusion effect, and more are identifying with initiatives such as fair trade.

   Best,

   Serena

Comments are closed.