Consumptionthat

Consumptionthat is a term used in consumer studies and critical theory to describe a framework for evaluating consumption practices based on ethical, environmental, and social criteria rather than purely subjective preferences or price.

Origin and usage: The term emerged in late 2010s academic discourse and online discussions as a way to discuss consumption that aligns with values. It signals a shift from purely utilitarian pricing toward assessments of impact and responsibility.

Conceptual framework: It emphasizes intentionality, transparency, and accountability; considers product life cycles; uses metrics such as life-cycle assessment, ecological footprint, and supply-chain audits; and acknowledges cultural and socioeconomic factors that influence what people buy and how that buying affects others.

Applications: The concept informs consumer education campaigns, corporate sustainability reporting, and public policy such as government procurement criteria. It also fuels debates about the effectiveness of value-aligned purchasing and the extent to which individuals can influence systemic change through shopping choices.

Critiques: Critics note measurement difficulties, and warn against moralizing consumer responsibility that overlooks structural factors like income, availability, and market design. There is concern about greenwashing and consumer fatigue, as well as privacy implications in data collection for tracking consumption patterns. Proponents argue that it provides a constructive language for discussing responsible consumption while acknowledging limits and trade-offs.