Political consumerism and public policy: Good complements against market failures?

Political consumerism has become over the past years an ever growing phenomenon, by which citizens express through their consumption their political, environmental and ethical opinions. This paper discusses political consumerism from an economic science perspective, focusing on the link between political consumerism and public policies. It wonders to what extent political consumerism may represent an effective and fair instrument against market failures. Overall, it seems that it would be better to consider it as a complement to conventional public policies.

► Political consumerism is the integration of green, social and ethical preferences in citizens' consumption practices. ► This growing phenomenon can hardly be seen as a substitute to public policies. ► However, political consumerism is a potential good complement to public policies.