[URPE] self-efficacy of consumer activism

[Enid Arvidson]

Friends,

I have a student writing a thesis on self-efficacy of consumer  
activism, i.e., consumers believing that they are (or are not)  
capable of bringing about social change through boycotts, etc.

I'm wondering if anyone can help in locating key references, either  
academic or popular (e.g., websites), about economic theory's take on  
this topic. In particular, can Rational Man have a sense of self- 
efficacy when it comes to effecting market outcomes? If not, are  
consumer activism/boycotts irrational (that is, are they only engaged  
in by consumers who naively think they can effect market outcomes)?  
What kind of economic Subject engages in consumer activism/boycotts,  
if not Rational Man (that is, what kind of economic subjectivity is  
needed for high levels of self-efficacy and/or effective consumer  
activism)?

Please reply personally rather than to the listserv. I'm happy to  
compile and share responses, just let me know if you'd like them.

Thanks so much for any help you can provide.

Enid
---
Enid Arvidson, Ph.D.
Associate Professor
School of Urban and Public Affairs
Box 19588
University of Texas at Arlington
Arlington, TX 76019

Graduate Advisor for Ph.D. in Urban Planning & Public Policy
http://www.uta.edu/supa/uppp
and Master's in City & Regional Planning
http://www.uta.edu/supa/cirp
817-272-3349
http://www2.uta.edu/arvidson/arvidsoncv/