Le consommateur responsable

• Main Author: Sophie Dubuisson-Quellier
• Format: Article
• Language: English
• Published: Presses Universitaires du Mirail 2011-05-01
• Series: Sciences de la Société
• Subjects: consumer; political consumerism; markets; reflexivity
• Online Access: http://journals.openedition.org/sds/2061

This paper proposes to discuss the argument of the increasing contribution of consumers within production system in capitalist societies. Based on the ethnographic study of frames and practices of an ethical consumption movement in France, we demonstrate that the empowerment of consumers and the construction of his/her reflexivity require an increase, instead of a decrease, of his/her contribution within productive activities. These results emphasize the role of the power relationship dynamic between producers and consumers within economic relations. We defend the idea that any economic exchange commitment and contribution between the two parties. Indeed, the question should not be about the increase or decrease of the consumers’ contributions in modern capitalist societies, but rather the possible evolution through time and places of the capacity of consumers to negotiate the terms of their contribution within economic relationships.