Korean Journal of Human Ecology (한국생활과학회지)

Korean Association of Human Ecology (한국생활과학회)
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A Study on Changes in Cognition and Practice of Undergraduate Students After Taking the Course 'Consumption and Ethics'

'소비와 윤리' 교과목 수강 대학생의 윤리적 소비에 대한 인식과 실천행동의 변화

  • Chun, Kyung-Hee (Dept. of Consumer and Housing Studies, the Catholic University of Korea) ;
  • Song, In-Sook (Dept. of Consumer and Housing Studies, the Catholic University of Korea) ;
  • Hong, Yeon-Geum (Dept. of Consumer and Housing Studies, the Catholic University of Korea) ;
  • Yoon, Myung-Ae (Dept. of Consumer and Housing Studies, the Catholic University of Korea)
  • 천경희 (가톨릭대학교 생활과학부 소비자주거학 전공) ;
  • 송인숙 (가톨릭대학교 생활과학부 소비자주거학 전공) ;
  • 홍연금 (가톨릭대학교 생활과학부 소비자주거학 전공) ;
  • 윤명애 (가톨릭대학교 생활과학부 소비자주거학 전공)
  • Received : 2012.04.03
  • Accepted : 2012.06.05
  • Published : 2012.06.29
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Abstract

The purpose of this research is to investigate changes in ethical consumption practices after taking an undergraduate course 'Consumption and Ethics'. Through Qualitative & Quantitative research methods, students' pre-course and post-course attitudes were compared to understand changes in behavior. Before taking the course 'Consumption and Ethics', undergraduate participants displayed little regard for ethical consumption, instead displaying primary sensitivity to price and values based on self-centered and conspicuous consumption. After taking the course 'Consumption and Ethics', participants displayed a more altruistic awareness of consumption on society and the environment. In addition, participants displayed a stronger sense of pride as ethical consumer. These emerging values were contrasted with conflicting feelings resulting from the higher prices often associated with ethical products, feelings of regret resulting from ethically-based impulse purchases, and an inability to categorically evaluate the reliability of available information on the ethical products. However, participants demonstrated a willingness to practice ethical consumption and recommend ethical consumption to their friends and neighbors. Overall, participants in the study demonstrated a strong shift to be an ethical consumer as a result of taking the course 'Consumption and Ethics'.

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References

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