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Ethical Fashion: An Exploratory Research

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The Dynamics of Corporate Social Responsibility

Part of the book series: CSR, Sustainability, Ethics & Governance ((CSEG))

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Abstract

This paper represents an attempt to examine and evaluate ethical fashion. It will use a combination of primary as well as secondary sources of information to provide some plausible answers to the questions surrounding the field of ethical fashion. The Ethical Fashion Forum (EEF) suggests that ethical fashion represents an approach to the design, sourcing and manufacture of clothing which maximises benefits to people and communities while minimising impact on the environment. However, in practice these definitions do not always apply to every garment made under the ‘ethical’ label. Therefore, the EEF believes that the application and integration of the triple bottom line concept at the core of the business practices and policy throughout the organisation would be crucial (www.EEF.com).

Summary statement of contribution: Ethical fashion appears to be gaining prominence and popularity and as such this paper endeavours to augment previous research and investigations into the theme with what might be viewed as further insight albeit limited in investigative impact.

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Author information

Authors and Affiliations

  1. Bradford College, Bradford, UK

    Khosro S. Jahdi

  2. University of St. Gallen, St. Gallen, Switzerland

    Kim Poldner

  3. Universiteit Antwerp, Antwerp, Belgium

    Kornelia Koehler

Authors
  1. Khosro S. Jahdi
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  2. Kim Poldner
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  3. Kornelia Koehler
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Corresponding author

Correspondence to Khosro S. Jahdi .

Editor information

Editors and Affiliations

  1. Dept of Management Theory, Warsaw School of Economics, Warsaw, Poland

    Maria Aluchna

  2. London Metropolitan University, London Guildhall Faculty Business & Law, London, United Kingdom

    Samuel O. Idowu

Appendix 1: Student Ethical Fashion Questionnaire

Appendix 1: Student Ethical Fashion Questionnaire

  1. 1.

    What do you understand by the term ‘ethical fashion’? (Tick as many as you feel relevant):

    1. (a)

      Green and ecological clothes.

    2. (b)

      Uses recycled materials.

    3. (c)

      Can be recycled.

    4. (d)

      Made by people working in decent conditions and with decent pay.

    5. (e)

      Does not use child labour.

    6. (f)

      Uses the least amount of energy possible.

    7. (g)

      Uses renewable energy.

    8. (h)

      Helps poor communities where its products are made.

    9. (i)

      Other, please explain.

  2. 2.

    What company(ies) come to mind when you think about ethical fashion and why?

  3. 3.

    To what extent do you trust /believe ethical fashion companies?

    1. (a)

      Not at all.

    2. (b)

      Some of what they claim.

    3. (c)

      Undecided.

    4. (d)

      Most of what they say.

    5. (e)

      Believe them totally.

  4. 4.

    In your opinion, what motivates a company to offer ethical fashion products ? (Tick more than one if you wish):

    1. (a)

      Better company image and reputation Makes it more competitive 1.

    2. (b)

      Money and higher profits.

    3. (c)

      Customers’ demand.

    4. (d)

      Changes in society , e.g., environmental awareness , etc.

    5. (e)

      Reports of some companies’ unethical behaviour, especially in poor countries.

    6. (f)

      Pressure from government (s).

    7. (g)

      Other, please explain.

  5. 5.

    Do you think that in future ethical fashion will:

    1. (a)

      Grow stronger?

    2. (b)

      Stay the same?

    3. (c)

      Become less important?

  6. 6.

    Please give reasons for your answer to question 5, above.

  7. 7.

    What do you think about the use of size zero models by the fashion (ethical or otherwise) industry?

    1. (a)

      It creates a false image of what young women should look like.

    2. (b)

      Puts pressure on young females to try and look similar.

    3. (c)

      Can be dangerous both physically and mentally.

    4. (d)

      It’s OK, models are expected to look like that.

    5. (e)

      ‘Normal’ girls should also be used on the catwalk.

    6. (f)

      It’s normal to look like that anyway.

  8. 8.

    Companies like Primark offer cheap and fashionable clothes. Is it ethical to wear something for a short while and then throw it away?

    1. (a)

      No.

    2. (b)

      Not sure.

    3. (c)

      Yes.

    4. (d)

      Other, please explain.

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Jahdi, K.S., Poldner, K., Koehler, K. (2017). Ethical Fashion: An Exploratory Research. In: Aluchna, M., Idowu, S. (eds) The Dynamics of Corporate Social Responsibility. CSR, Sustainability, Ethics & Governance. Springer, Cham. https://doi.org/10.1007/978-3-319-39089-5_12

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