The Role of Consumer Research and Consumer Advocacy in Defining and Promoting the Consumer Interest

Abstract

In response to Karpatkin 's (1999) article, the author identifies and discusses two critical but often overlooked questions for policymakers, consumer advocates, and consumer researchers. First, what exactly is the consumer interest? Second, what is the role of consumer research and consumer advocacy in promoting that interest? Using the minimum wage as an example, the author argues that policies adopted to improve consumer welfare often harm some of the very people they are intended to help. She raises the question of whether a universal “consumer interest” exists in a world of heterogeneous consumers. She further discusses the complementary but distinct roles of advocacy and research in identifying and promoting policies that improve social welfare.