Article
Details
Citation
Freathy P & Calderwood E (2020) Social transformation in the Scottish islands: Liberationist perspectives on consumer empowerment. Journal of Rural Studies, 74, pp. 180-189. https://doi.org/10.1016/j.jrurstud.2020.01.016
Abstract
Through a conceptual framework derived from 1960's Christian Liberation Theology this paper examines the impact of e-commerce upon the social transformation of spatially isolated Scottish communities. While many studies have highlighted the impact of internet adoption upon individual choice and the co-creation of value, this paper argues that such advantages are mediated by structural impediments that constrain its potentially empowering effects. Viewing e-commerce through the lens of liberation theory acknowledges the influence of the economic, political and social environment upon consumer emancipation. While empowerment remains con-textually determined and reflects the desire of groups and individuals to reassert control over their own existence , established hierarchies seek to dominate the power logic and reinforce existing market inequalities.
Keywords
Empowerment; Liberation theology; Island retailing; E-commerce; Rural
Journal
Journal of Rural Studies: Volume 74
Status | Published |
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Funders | British Academy |
Publication date | 29/02/2020 |
Publication date online | 25/01/2020 |
Date accepted by journal | 16/01/2020 |
URL | http://hdl.handle.net/1893/30749 |
Publisher | Elsevier BV |
ISSN | 0743-0167 |
People (1)
Professor, Marketing & Retail