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Market based political action: a path to sustainable development?
Author(s) -
Shaw Deirdre,
Black Iain
Publication year - 2010
Publication title -
sustainable development
Language(s) - English
Resource type - Journals
SCImago Journal Rank - 1.115
H-Index - 64
eISSN - 1099-1719
pISSN - 0968-0802
DOI - 10.1002/sd.415
Subject(s) - action (physics) , politics , sustainable development , voting , consumption (sociology) , sustainability , business , political action , social change , political economy , economics , economic system , political science , economic growth , sociology , social science , law , ecology , physics , quantum mechanics , biology
Abstract This paper critiques market based political action (consumption as voting) with the aim of assessing its use as a means of political and societal action capable of helping develop a sustainable economy. Despite being able to motivate change within the market place, overall it is found to be limited in its direct ability to affect social change and lead the development of a more sustainable economy. However, it is found to be a useful form of political participation that encourages engagement and has a role in sending general messages to governments regarding citizens' willingness to take action over important social and environmental issues. These conclusions are based on the finding that consumers' signals and market's reactions to specific campaigns within sustainable development may be inconsistent, unclear or weak. However, overall this market action does send clear messages regarding the broader issues and people's desire to see action upon them. Copyright © 2009 John Wiley & Sons, Ltd and ERP Environment.