Bien-être and well-being in consumer research: A comparative analysis

Abstract

This article provides a critical overview in which French-language research on consumer bien-être (BEC) is compared to English-language studies of well-being as part of Transformative Consumer Research (TCR). We begin by identifying the specific positions adopted and themes addressed by the researchers, before exploring the cultural roots of each approach. We conclude with a discussion of our findings and suggested research perspectives and avenues for the future.

How does a local initiative contribute to social inclusion and promote sustainable food practices? Focus on the example of social cooking workshops

“…Both associations and future research would benefit from this co‐working strategy so that local initiatives become a step towards reducing (the impacts of) poverty. Nevertheless, this approach has to be related to an economic, political and socio‐historic understanding of poverty (Blocker et al ., ; Gorge et al ., ). Our final conclusion would be that this study informs thinking on ‘how particular initiatives are opposing market logic and alternative lifestyles’, and how such initiatives can mobilize consumers in their everyday life, especially when they target the ‘less literate or capable on the market, or those living in less advantaged communities and societies’ (Wahlen and Laamanen, ).…”

“…It also re‐centres on consumers’ perceptions, in order to propose solutions related to the specific context of consumers. Poverty, sustainable development, health, materialism and risky behaviour are the subjects TCR deals with (Gorge et al ., ). The focus on poverty and health (more precisely on food consumption) is particularly relevant for the present research.…”

Government of practices and market topographies: Consumption and the challenge of (ab)normality

“…This intention can clearly be seen in research studies associated with consumer culture theory, since they focus on the heterogeneous distribution of practices within the market, as pointed out by Arnould and Thompson (2005). Studies conducted in the field of transformative consumer research (TCR) display the same intention to comprehend (ab)normality to the extent that they have taken an interest in the margins of the market since the emergence of the problematic effects of how it operates (Gorge et al, 2015;Mick, 2006;Mick et al, 2012). These various studies laid down the foundations for the theorisation of the consumer experience in the (ab)normalisation process.…”

“…This distinction between deviance and victimation or victimisation establishes the separation between the anthropemous and anthropophagous modes of government and is an indication that the prejudice is no longer situated on the side of the market and/or manager. It now affects the consumer due to the negative effects of marketing and/or the way the market operates (Gorge et al, 2015;Mick, 2006;Mick et al, 2012). Yet the notion of victim is absent from the consumption literature.…”

Improving dietary behaviour with nutrition labelling: Towards a research agenda that serves consumer well-being

“…Beyond the way they are used, it is therefore their impact on the quality of dietary decisions in the long term that requires our attention. In this vein, transformative consumer research (TCR) focuses on analysing the individual and collective well-being of consumers (Davis and Pechmann, 2011;Gorge et al, 2015;Grunert et al, 2012;Mick et al, 2012), particularly in relation to food (Block et al, 2011). The second limitation relates to the factors considered in an effort to explain the effects of nutrition labelling on consumption behaviour.…”