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What Impacts Socially Responsible Consumption?

Author

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  • María Luisa Ríos-Rodríguez

    (Department of Social Psychology, Social Work, Social Anthropology and East Asian Studies, University of Málaga, 29071 Málaga, Spain
    Faculty of Psychology, University of Málaga, 29071 Málaga, Spain)

  • José María Salgado-Cacho

    (Faculty of Psychology, University of Málaga, 29071 Málaga, Spain
    Hogar Abierto, 29001 Málaga, Spain)

  • Pilar Moreno-Jiménez

    (Department of Social Psychology, Social Work, Social Anthropology and East Asian Studies, University of Málaga, 29071 Málaga, Spain
    Faculty of Psychology, University of Málaga, 29071 Málaga, Spain)

Abstract

This study examines factors related to socially responsible consumption based on a sample of 636 Spanish consumers. The results indicate that socio-demographic factors such as sex, age, education level, and economic activity affect responsible consumption. In addition, it was found that in order to assess the antecedents of socially responsible consumption it is necessary to specify the type of consumer behavior (for example, purchasing specific products or initiatives against the purchase of certain products). It is found that perceived efficacy, affective commitment, and materialism explain different levels of variance in socially responsible consumption. Purchasing cause-related products is most influenced by affective commitment and perceived efficacy. Materialism affects purchasing motivated by firm behavior and the volume of consumption. The study finds that the referents to the responsibility that consumers adopt can be explained independently. In conclusion, with the aim of supporting a more sustainable society, the need for studies on anti-consumption behaviors as an instrument for sustainability is stressed.

Suggested Citation

  • María Luisa Ríos-Rodríguez & José María Salgado-Cacho & Pilar Moreno-Jiménez, 2021. "What Impacts Socially Responsible Consumption?," Sustainability, MDPI, vol. 13(8), pages 1-14, April.
    • Handle: RePEc:gam:jsusta:v:13:y:2021:i:8:p:4258-:d:534341
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    References listed on IDEAS

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    1. Betül Buladi Çubukcu, 2025. "The Effects of Responsible Consumerism on Impulsive Buying Behavior: The Mediating Role of Brand Literacy," Sustainability, MDPI, vol. 17(16), pages 1-15, August.

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