A global and introspective understanding of violence within consumerism: proposing the concept of consumerist violence

Abstract

This thesis investigates how various forms of violence are part of different major production chains supplying consumer markets. It thereby establishes a link between the role of end consumers demand and consumerist supplies. The author contends that whether aware of it or not, end consumers actively support violence when purchasing goods that have been produced under violent conditions. In this context, the thesis points to the acceptance and normalization of violence within consumerism and investigates different psychosocial syndromes influencing consumers’ awareness, attitudes and perceived responsibility. Furthermore, it calls for the establishment of the interdisciplinary academic field of ‘consumerist violence’ in order to increase and unify research of these important issues, thereby highlighting the dimension of consumers’ demand and awareness of violence within consumerism when aiming for positive change towards more nonviolent production of consumer goods.