Estudo meta-analítico sobre consumo responsável na área de alimentos: uma análise de antecedentes e moderadores

Abstract

We are experiencing a global environmental imbalance, a reflection of years of production and consumption without concern for long-term impacts. This context has stimulated a process of greater ecological awareness among individuals, giving rise to pro-environmental movements in several countries around the world, stimulating a new perspective on consumption patterns. In this context, healthier lifestyles, as well as social and environmental responsibility, have become a priority for consumers. The environmental issue stirred consumer awareness, making them recognize their importance in reducing environmental damage and resulting in concern about the impact of these damages on their health and safety, promoting a change of perspective on food consumption. Unlike other consumer goods, food is a basic need and cannot be renounced or replaced. The period of social crisis, due to the new coronavirus (COVID-19) pandemic, repositions the theme of food as a fundamental activity. The fact that food consumption is vital for human well-being makes this an important area to be investigated, as we depend on food to live, either physically or as an activity that involves rites, traditions and sociability. In order to generate a better understanding of the existing conflicting results, as well as to generate a more generalized understanding of the topic, a meta-analytic study of the data collected in quantitative research on responsible consumption in the food area was carried out, identifying its main antecedent constructs and moderators. Based on a database of 31 empirical studies, this meta-analytic study aims to provide an overview of the antecedents and possible moderators of responsible food consumption. Among the antecedents, risk, subjective norm, social influence, environmental concern, and attitude exhibited the strongest effects on intention, followed by perception of controlled behavior, knowledge, utilitarianism, hedonism, trust, beliefs, past behavior, and quality.