Sustainable Consumption in Context: A Cross-Cultural Study of Social Representations

Sustainability, Journal Year: 2025, Volume and Issue: 17(4), P. 1531 - 1531

Published: Feb. 12, 2025

This study explores how consumers in developed and developing countries perceive sustainable food consumption these perceptions are shaped by local contexts. Using the theory of social representations, which frames sustainability as a system values, ideas, practices, we conducted mixed-methods analysis data from online focus groups ten countries. The results reveal significant differences between frontrunners Consumers on immanent linking to concrete practices such recycling, buying organic products, brand awareness. In contrast, adopt more transcendent views, emphasizing moral responsibility, tradition, collective well-being, often expecting government regulation drive change. Barriers high cost, lack knowledge, skepticism reflect underlying socio-economic inequalities, particularly highlights global norms interact with realities, revealing mismatches that limit effectiveness universal approaches. These findings underscore need for context-sensitive policies strategies address barriers while remaining consistent goals. More broadly, this research underscores necessity culturally tailored approaches promote equitable inclusive socio-ecological transformations.

Language: Английский

The Impact of Sensory Perceptions and Country-of-Origin Practices on Consumer Preferences for Rice: A Comparative Study of China and Thailand

Foods, Journal Year: 2025, Volume and Issue: 14(4), P. 603 - 603

Published: Feb. 12, 2025

This investigation scrutinizes the impact of sensory perceptions and country origin (COO) on consumer inclinations for aromatic rice in China Thailand, elucidating pivotal characteristics cross-cultural variances purchasing behavior. A choice experiment (CE) involving 1330 participants from Guangzhou Bangkok assessed attributes such as fragrance, grain quality, certification, pricing. Structural Equation Modeling (SEM) was used to examine correlations between perceptions, COO, willingness pay (WTP). The findings indicate that fragrance integrity substantially influence preferences, with Chinese consumers more inclined buy premium-certified due escalating incomes food safety apprehensions, whereas Thai emphasize domestically produced demonstrate pronounced ethnocentrism. Price sensitivity brand allegiance similarly affect both markets. study underscores significance enhancing COO bolster global competitiveness rice, it provides pragmatic insights quality assurance, culturally nuanced marketing strategies.

Language: Английский