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The impact of stereotyping on consumers' food choices

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  • Gao, Yixing (Lisa)
  • Mattila, Anna S.

Abstract

There is mounting evidence to show that people's food choices are influenced by social others. However, there is scant research on how consumers' food choices are affected by perceived competence of others present in the retail setting. The findings of Study 1 indicate that when the other customer is perceived as competent (i.e., paying with a Platinum Amex), the focal consumer chooses the same (organic vs. standard) chicken wrap. However, such a mimicking behavior is absent when the other customer lacks competency cues (i.e., paying with food stamps). Study 2 shows that social modeling doesn't occur in the context of indulgent food choices. Moreover, the findings of Study 2 demonstrate that competence cues perceived similarity between the other customer and the focal consumer.

Suggested Citation

  • Gao, Yixing (Lisa) & Mattila, Anna S., 2017. "The impact of stereotyping on consumers' food choices," Journal of Business Research, Elsevier, vol. 81(C), pages 80-85.
    • Handle: RePEc:eee:jbrese:v:81:y:2017:i:c:p:80-85
    DOI: 10.1016/j.jbusres.2017.08.012
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    References listed on IDEAS

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    3. Cozzio, Claudia & Volgger, Michael & Taplin, Ross & Woodside, Arch G., 2020. "Nurturing tourists’ ethical food consumption: Testing the persuasive strengths of alternative messages in a natural hotel setting," Journal of Business Research, Elsevier, vol. 117(C), pages 268-279.
    4. Ketron, Seth & Naletelich, Kelly & Migliorati, Stefano, 2021. "Representational versus abstract imagery: Effects on purchase intentions between vice and virtue foods," Journal of Business Research, Elsevier, vol. 125(C), pages 52-62.

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