Comparative and Cross-national Research on Politics of Green Consumerism

Abstract

The environmental backgrounds and consequences of production and consumption have become mainstream political concerns. All across Europe and beyond, green consumerism constitutes one of the most widely used forms of political participation besides to voting. The consistent growth in sales of ‘sustainable’ and ‘organic’ goods in spite of economic turmoil and their more rapid expansion compared to conventional products further endorse the present trend upwards. Notwithstanding, there are dramatic differences across countries in the scope of involvement in boycotts, buycotts, and green consumerism more in general. Equally, the macro-societal dynamics which this type of involvement unfolds vary. The Panel seeks to reflect upon these dynamics of green consumption and production by looking at the individuals involved as well as at the development of related public policies (e.g. production standards, consumer protection and information rules, etc.) and changes in firm practices. Therefore, the panel aims to unite Papers which consider the past, present and/or imminent dynamics of green consumerism in a comparative and cross-national perspective. This can include studies considering individuals in their roles as consumers as well as studies which approach the subject from the perspective of green production and governance.