Family Economics And Consumer Education 3 (2+1)

Lesson 18 : Consumer Movement

Objectives Of Comsumer Movement

Consumer movement is a social movement which seeks to enhance the economic well-being and bargaining power of consumers. The movement has enjoyed public support in many countries. It has maintained continuous presence in the Political field.

Consumer Movement Has The Fokkowing Objectives

1. PRODUCT SAFETY: Consumer movement aims at removing hazardous products, deceptive sales practices, and consumer exploitation from the market. Consumers are indirectly affected when they purchase and use hazardous products which are likely to affect their safety. Consumers are deceived when substandard or defective goods are sold to them.
2. Solution to consumer problem: Consumer movement relates to solving of problems of consumers through interaction with the government to bring about appropriate, new or amended regulations or for ensuring compliance from manufacturers and for imposing penalties for violations.
3. Providing consumer information: Consumers need to be informed about the laws enacted by government. Consumers must be informed about the products – price, quality, handling instructions, after sales service etc. Consumers need to be informed about safety measures and dangers to life etc to be followed while using a product.

Rolf Nodar was the father of consumer movement. The consumer movement first started in America in 1900. The John.F Kennady the then president of America declared four rights to the consumers on 15.03.1962. They are-

1. Right to safety
2. Right to choose
3. Right to information
4. Right to Theory