Il commercio equo e solidale: impegno, distinzione, pratiche relazionali

The essay is part of a book that presents the results of a research work on responsible consumption in Italy. The article in particular addresses the issues of fair trade. The phenomenon is framed initially with respect to its structural features. Then we present the main results emerging from the analysis of questionnaires on the reasons and frequency of purchase.
On those basis, the key factors that predispose to the knowledge and consumption of fair trade are discussed with regard to age, sex, social position and professional status. This allows to set the basis for understanding how fair consumption practices are linked to other cultural practices and symbolic capital. This kind of analysis is then reconsidered in the light of policy guidance, with particular reference to the relational contexts in which the identity of consumers of fair trade is shaped and expressed.