The following empirical study was published in the Business and Professional Ethics Journal, a peer-reviewed scholarly journal, and it builds upon the consumer-based scale development from Dr. Shireen Musa’s prior research (see “Compassion and Fashion – Part 1” post) by analyzing the role of compassion and desire for sustainability awareness in the consumption of Fair Trade fashion.
The results of the study supported the notion that consumers of Fair Trade fashion are likely to hold the attributes of compassion and desire for sustainability awareness.
The article titled “The Role of Compassion and Sustainability Awareness on Fair Trade Fashion Consumption with Internet Engagement as a Moderator” was published in the Business and Professional Ethics Journal (February 2022) and is also featured in FIT’s Newsroom.
FIT Newsroom Link – Diving Deeper Into Fair Trade Fashion – FIT Newsroom (fitnyc.edu)
Journal Link to Article (Note: Contact the FIT Library to request a copy of this article) – The Role of Compassion and Sustainability Awareness on Fair Trade Fashion Consumption with Internet Engagement as a Moderator – Shireen Musa, Pradeep Gopalakrishna – Business and Professional Ethics Journal (Philosophy Documentation Center) (pdcnet.org)
Written by Dr. Shireen Musa
I believe it’s wonderful that an increasing number of individuals are becoming aware of how important it is for the fashion industry to adhere to ethical and environmentally responsible business methods. The fact that customers who buy Fair Trade fashion are more likely to exhibit these characteristics is encouraging because it implies that people are becoming more sensitive of the influence their consumption has on the environment and on employees in the industry. Fair Trade fashion is a movement that aims to improve the living conditions of workers in the fashion industry. In addition, I believe it is essential to place a strong emphasis on the role that involvement with the internet plays in modifying the link between consumer values and behavior. Because of the amount of time I spend online, I am aware that social media and other online platforms, such as blogs and forums, have the potential to be effective instruments for advancing more ethical and environmentally responsible business practices in the fashion sector. We can assist increase awareness and inspire more people to adopt ethical and sustainable fashion choices if we make use of these channels to disseminate information about fair trade programs and sustainable companies.
I found very interesting how the article discusses the importance of sustainable concepts and practices, such as Corporate Social Responsibility (CSR) and Fair Trade, in addressing environmental and societal concerns. It also emphasizes the growing need for companies to implement CSR practices, particularly in the fashion industry, which is a substantial industrial polluter.
In addition, there is a focus on the significance of mindful consumption and the role of consumers in supporting Fair Trade and sustainable products. It also introduces the development of two new scales to measure an individual’s level of Compassion for Oneself, Others, and the Environment (COOE) and Desire for Sustainability Awareness (DSA). The study aims to determine whether Fair Trade fashion consumers possess these attributes and explores the potential for promoting COOE and DSA to increase demand among consumers who do not currently purchase Fair Trade fashion.
Last but not least, the article acknowledges the expanding international presence of Fair Trade and the rise of NGOs advocating for socially and environmentally responsible practices in the fashion industry. It also mentions legislation, such as the California Transparency in Supply Chains Act, which obligates firms to disclose their CSR policies.
The study on the role of compassion and sustainability awareness in Fair Trade fashion consumption is an interesting topic as it sheds light on the changing attitudes of consumers towards ethical and sustainable fashion. With the growing concern for the environment and social justice issues, it is important for companies to prioritize sustainable and ethical practices in their operations. As an ITM student, I believe that technology can play a significant role in promoting sustainable fashion practices. For instance, digital platforms can be utilized to increase transparency in the supply chain and enable consumers to make informed decisions. Additionally, technologies such as blockchain can be used to track the origin and authenticity of the materials used in fashion products. This can help in ensuring that ethical and sustainable practices are followed throughout the production process. Overall, the study highlights the need for businesses to adopt sustainable and ethical practices to cater to the changing preferences of consumers.
I think it’s great that more and more people are becoming aware of the importance of ethical and sustainable practices in the fashion industry. The fact that consumers who purchase Fair Trade fashion are more likely to possess these attributes is promising, as it suggests that people are becoming more conscious of the impact their consumption has on the environment and on workers in the industry. Moreover, I think it’s important to emphasize the role of internet engagement in moderating the relationship between consumer values and behavior. I spend a lot of time online and I know that social media and other online platforms can be powerful tools for promoting ethical and sustainable practices in the fashion industry. By using these platforms to share information about fair trade initiatives and sustainable brands, we can help raise awareness and encourage more people to make ethical and sustainable fashion choices.