 The Rise of the Ethical ConsumerPascal Stiefenhofer ()
Chapter Chapter 2 in Conscious Consumption, 2026, pp 5-83 from Springer Abstract: Abstract This chapter explores the rise of ethical consumption as a defining element of contemporary consumer culture and examines its dynamic interplay with the development of artificial intelligence. It traces the historical trajectory of ethical consumerism, from early activist movements and twentieth-century milestones to the present globalized marketplace. Ethical consumption is analyzed through multiple philosophical frameworks, including deontology, consequentialism, virtue ethics, and care ethics, which illuminate how moral responsibility is embedded in consumer choice. The discussion highlights consumer motivations, market transformations, and the role of ethical branding, while considering the increasing demand for transparency and accountability. Special attention is given to AI technologies that enable personalized recommendations, supply chain tracking, and ethically oriented marketing, as well as the challenges these tools pose in terms of bias, manipulation, and power asymmetries. By integrating ethical theory, historical evolution, and technological practice, the chapter demonstrates both the promise and complexity of aligning AI-driven commerce with social justice, environmental stewardship, and sustainable consumer empowerment. Date: 2026 There are no downloads for this item, see the EconPapers FAQ for hints about obtaining it. Related works: Export reference: BibTeX RIS (EndNote, ProCite, RefMan) HTML/Text Persistent link: https://EconPapers.repec.org/RePEc:spr:sprchp:978-3-032-22336-4_2 Ordering information: This item can be ordered from DOI: 10.1007/978-3-032-22336-4_2 Access Statistics for this chapter More chapters in Springer Books from Springer |
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