Child Labor and Responsible Consumers

Abstract

The basic strategy for the fight against child labor has been boycotting efforts followed by labeling practices. This article reviews the development of these practices and their impact on the hand-knotted carpet industry in India. The authors highlight the fact that though labeling has responded to many of the criticisms of boycotts, labeling too has shortcomings related to its trustworthiness in situations where information is highly asymmetrical among stakeholders. The labeling may lack credibility and, thus, arguably, has limited impact on the hand-knotted carpet industry. The article discusses why and how labeling may lack credibility. Since the article is a conceptual assessment and not an empirical study, it draws on other sources for relevant empirical information.

The Importance of Sustainability Aspects When Purchasing Online: Comparing Generation X and Generation Z

“…Besides, labels, which indicate social sustainability (Fair Wear Foundation; FWF), were rated as very important. Applying labels might further allow multiple positive effects, which compensate negative ones compared to more radical measures, such as boycotts against companies tolerating child labor [99]. However, as we intend to examine sustainability in online purchase behavior holistically, we also used labels indicating ecological sustainability (Bluesign).…”