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Socially and environmentally responsible apparel consumption: knowledge, attitudes, and behaviors

Author

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  • Joy M. Kozar
  • Kim Y. Hiller Connell

Abstract

Purpose - The purpose of this paper is to examine the relationships between social and environmental responsibility knowledge, attitudes, and purchasing behavior. Design/methodology/approach - An online questionnaire was developed to assess knowledge of, and attitudes towards, issues of social responsibility, including social and environmental aspects related to the production and distribution of apparel and textile goods. Information regarding engagement in socially and environmentally responsible apparel‐purchasing behavior was also collected. Participants included students enrolled at a four‐year institution located in the Midwestern USA. Findings - Participants indicated being more knowledgeable about apparel environmental issues as compared to apparel social issues. Overall, participants exhibited low involvement in socially and environmentally responsible apparel‐purchasing behavior. However, both knowledge and attitudes of social and environmental issues were significant predictors of socially and environmentally responsible purchasing behavior. Practical implications - Given the competition among apparel companies operating in the marketplace, this study lends valuable insight for firms in implementing strategic social and environmental practices and policies. The implications of this study also suggest that firms within the industry may need to respond to the barriers perceived by consumers in engaging in sustainable apparel‐purchasing behavior. Originality/value - The findings of this study are useful in understanding the relationship between knowledge, attitudes, and behavior. Previous research on this topic has been inconclusive. A thorough examination of this topic is important, as noted by previous scholars, consumers have the ability to effect change in the marketplace through their purchasing behavior.

Suggested Citation

  • Joy M. Kozar & Kim Y. Hiller Connell, 2013. "Socially and environmentally responsible apparel consumption: knowledge, attitudes, and behaviors," Social Responsibility Journal, Emerald Group Publishing Limited, vol. 9(2), pages 315-324, May.
    • Handle: RePEc:eme:srjpps:v:9:y:2013:i:2:p:315-324
    DOI: 10.1108/SRJ-09-2011-0076
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    Citations

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    Cited by:

    1. Lauren Reiter & Joy Kozar, 2016. "Chinese Students¡¯ Knowledge of Environmentally and Socially Sustainable Apparel and Sustainable Purchase Intentions," International Journal of Marketing Studies, Canadian Center of Science and Education, vol. 8(3), pages 12-21, June.
    2. Chi Thao Dinh & Takuro Uehara & Takahiro Tsuge, 2021. "Green Attributes in Young Consumers’ Purchase Intentions: A Cross-Country, Cross-Product Comparative Study Using a Discrete Choice Experiment," Sustainability, MDPI, vol. 13(17), pages 1-19, September.
    3. Wencke Gwozdz & Kristian Steensen Nielsen & Tina Müller, 2017. "An Environmental Perspective on Clothing Consumption: Consumer Segments and Their Behavioral Patterns," Sustainability, MDPI, vol. 9(5), pages 1-27, May.
    4. Jesevičiūtė-Ufartienė Laima, 2017. "Consumer Social Responsibility: Example of Cycling Service," Management of Organizations: Systematic Research, Sciendo, vol. 78(1), pages 49-60, December.
    5. Geetika Varshneya & Shivendra K. Pandey & Gopal Das, 2017. "Impact of Social Influence and Green Consumption Values on Purchase Intention of Organic Clothing: A Study on Collectivist Developing Economy," Global Business Review, International Management Institute, vol. 18(2), pages 478-492, April.
    6. Guang-Wen Zheng & Abu Bakkar Siddik & Mohammad Masukujjaman & Syed Shah Alam & Alvina Akter, 2020. "Perceived Environmental Responsibilities and Green Buying Behavior: The Mediating Effect of Attitude," Sustainability, MDPI, vol. 13(1), pages 1-27, December.
    7. Jin-Myong Lee & Hyo-Jung Kim & Jong-Youn Rha, 2017. "Shopping for Society? Consumers’ Value Conflicts in Socially Responsible Consumption Affected by Retail Regulation," Sustainability, MDPI, vol. 9(11), pages 1-15, October.
    8. Lixin Shen & Kannan Govindan & Madan Shankar, 2015. "Evaluation of Barriers of Corporate Social Responsibility Using an Analytical Hierarchy Process under a Fuzzy Environment—A Textile Case," Sustainability, MDPI, vol. 7(3), pages 1-22, March.
    9. Joshi, Yatish & Rahman, Zillur, 2019. "Consumers' Sustainable Purchase Behaviour: Modeling the Impact of Psychological Factors," Ecological Economics, Elsevier, vol. 159(C), pages 235-243.
    10. Wei Fu & Bei chen Liang, 2019. "How Millennials' Personality Traits Influence Their Eco-Fashion Purchase Behavior," Athens Journal of Business & Economics, Athens Institute for Education and Research (ATINER), vol. 5(3), pages 207-220, April.

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