Date of Award
2024
Document Type
Thesis
Degree Name
Master of Science (MS)
Department
Community Development and Applied Economics
First Advisor
Jane Kolodinsky
Second Advisor
Mark Usher
Abstract
This work explores the ethical foundations of consumer theory by examining collective behavior. Through qualitative and quantitative analysis, the study aims to highlight the potential of collective rationality in fostering sustainable development. Through the lens of The Commons, Chapter 1 considers how ethics can play a pivotal role in consumer behavior. Using qualitative research, two case studies based in southern Africa detail the ethic of Ubuntu: in an abiotic example of The Commons, rotating savings and credit association (ROSCA), and a biotic example of The Commons, the uMhlathuze Water Stewardship Partnership (UWASP). These case studies exemplify not only that coordination is the best outcome, but also that an individual would be worse off if they acted selfishly. Both case studies provide an alternative to the Tragedy of The Commons, demonstrate collective rationality, and highlight reciprocity as a basis for economic transactions. Chapter 1 offers the relational consumer, one who balances individual and group interests. Considering intercultural ethics can augment consumer theory especially in terms of sustainable longterm development, though more research must be done to apply the macroeconomic concepts to microeconomics. Chapter 2 is a quantitative study using a multinomial logistic regression analysis and data from the World Values Survey. As the development of ecological and sociological theories have incorporated critical components such as natural capital and social values, the landscapes of consumer theory are evolving. Scholars have considered theories of collective well-being among the most important to consider for the longevity of successful economies, and this chapter empirically investigates the indicators of those who tend toward collective ideals and those who tend toward individualistic ideals. Using data from Wave 7 (2017-2022) of the World Values Survey, this exploratory study investigates five indices centered on the theme of individualism and collectivism: Gender, Immigrant, Education, Savings, and Drought. Using these five indicators, the multinomial logistic regressions provide guidance toward which demographics are worth more investigation. The most noteworthy results indicate that women are less probable to choose individualistic thinking as opposed to men. Both chapters strengthen a growing body of evidence that groups of consumers act out of collective ideals, which is important to further investigate, especially as a means to sustainable development.
Language
en
Number of Pages
54 p.
Recommended Citation
Danielsen, Julia, "The Power of The Commons" (2024). Graduate College Dissertations and Theses. 1920.
https://scholarworks.uvm.edu/graddis/1920