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Are you up for fair-trade products? Vertical dimension as a metaphorical representation of virtuous consumption

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  • Basso, Frédéric
  • Bouillé, Julien
  • Troiville, Julien

Abstract

This article examines vertical dimension as a metaphorical representation of ethical consumption by testing the connection between ethical consumption and high verticality, and its implications for consumers when considering fair-trade products. This research first shows that the representation of ethical consumption in terms of high verticality manifests in a strong implicit association between moral virtues underpinning fair-trade consumption (e.g., justice, solidarity) and “up” (Study 1). This research then demonstrates that consumers explicitly associate fair-trade products with an elevated position (Study 2), and that a match between fair-trade products and increased physical elevation results in heightened altruistic behavior (Study 3). In addition, this article reveals that greater familiarity with fair-trade products enhances this metaphorical representation and its downstream effects on altruistic behavior (Studies 2 and 3). The theoretical and managerial implications of the present research are discussed in conclusion.

Suggested Citation

  • Basso, Frédéric & Bouillé, Julien & Troiville, Julien, 2021. "Are you up for fair-trade products? Vertical dimension as a metaphorical representation of virtuous consumption," Journal of Business Research, Elsevier, vol. 135(C), pages 508-518.
    • Handle: RePEc:eee:jbrese:v:135:y:2021:i:c:p:508-518
    DOI: 10.1016/j.jbusres.2021.06.050
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    More about this item

    Keywords

    Fair trade; Ethical consumption; Conceptual metaphor; Verticality; Altruistic behavior;
    All these keywords.

    JEL classification:

    • R14 - Urban, Rural, Regional, Real Estate, and Transportation Economics - - General Regional Economics - - - Land Use Patterns
    • J01 - Labor and Demographic Economics - - General - - - Labor Economics: General
    • L81 - Industrial Organization - - Industry Studies: Services - - - Retail and Wholesale Trade; e-Commerce

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