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Matthias Lehner

Matthias Lehner

Associate senior lecturer

Matthias Lehner

Alternative food systems and the citizen-consumer

Author

  • Matthias Lehner

Summary, in English

Ethically informed and committed consumers are crucial to the functioning of many alternative food systems. These consumers are poorly understood, though, and their common description as informed and democratically minded finds little resemblance to the real world. Few individuals fit the ideal of the concept of the so-called citizen-consumer. This commentary therefore argues that both researchers and practitioners interested in the success of alternative food systems must rethink the concept of the citizen-consumer. By focusing on consumption contexts, cultural and social influences, and the impact of systems of provision on acts of ethical consumption, the nature of such acts will be better understood. This understanding will increase the chances for proliferation and longevity of consumption niches so crucial for market innovation.

Department/s

  • The International Institute for Industrial Environmental Economics

Publishing year

2013

Language

English

Pages

49-53

Publication/Series

The Journal of Agriculture, Food Systems, and Community Development

Volume

3

Issue

4

Document type

Journal article (letter)

Topic

  • Social Sciences Interdisciplinary

Keywords

  • alternative food systems
  • citizen-consumer
  • sustainable consumption

Status

Published

ISBN/ISSN/Other

  • ISSN: 2152-0798