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The “Lemon Market” Phenomenon in Label-Dependent Niche Markets: An Examination of the Nature of Ethical Consumption

Marconi, Nicholas Genova
http://rave.ohiolink.edu/etdc/view?acc_num=osu1273000852

Abstract Details

2010, Master of Science, Ohio State University, Agricultural, Environmental Development Economics.
Using the Global New Markets Database to analyze trends from 1999-2009 demonstrates that the market for Fair Trade goods is not only growing rapidly, it is steadily merging with other markets for ethical goods into a single market for ethical consumption. Estimating hedonic models with this data indicates that the Willingness to Supply for Fair Trade goods is dependent entirely on region and product differentiation, however it is impossible to determine what the demand for Fair Trade goods is based only on availability. One such standard that has yet to become part of widespread certification is Living Wage, the reason for which being that there has been no method yet to universally evaluate it. This thesis then explores the theoretical groundwork for a universal method to evaluate Living Wage. The conclusion of this thesis is that it is possible for standards compliance to meet goals of the Fair Trade movement and other movements for ethical consumption, however if there is no demand for compliance then the market will devolve into a Lemon Market, where Fair Trade goods will not provide the implied value-added of improving the livelihood and dignity of workers in developing countries.
Marv Batte, PhD (Committee Chair)
Neal Hooker, PhD (Committee Member)
Tom Sporleder, PhD (Committee Member)
199 p.
Agricultural Economics; Economics
Fair Trade; Living Wage; Ethical Consumption; Lemon Market; Monopsony; Willingness to Sell

Recommended Citations

Citations

  • Marconi, N. G. (2010). The “Lemon Market” Phenomenon in Label-Dependent Niche Markets: An Examination of the Nature of Ethical Consumption [Master's thesis, Ohio State University]. OhioLINK Electronic Theses and Dissertations Center. http://rave.ohiolink.edu/etdc/view?acc_num=osu1273000852

    APA Style (7th edition)

  • Marconi, Nicholas. The “Lemon Market” Phenomenon in Label-Dependent Niche Markets: An Examination of the Nature of Ethical Consumption. 2010. Ohio State University, Master's thesis. OhioLINK Electronic Theses and Dissertations Center, http://rave.ohiolink.edu/etdc/view?acc_num=osu1273000852.

    MLA Style (8th edition)

  • Marconi, Nicholas. "The “Lemon Market” Phenomenon in Label-Dependent Niche Markets: An Examination of the Nature of Ethical Consumption." Master's thesis, Ohio State University, 2010. http://rave.ohiolink.edu/etdc/view?acc_num=osu1273000852

    Chicago Manual of Style (17th edition)

osu1273000852
837
© 2010, all rights reserved.
This open access ETD is published by The Ohio State University and OhioLINK.