Journal of Consumer Research 1990

When Consumer Behavior Goes Bad: An Investigation of Adolescent Shoplifting

Dena Cox^1,2; Anthony D. Cox^1,2; George P. Moschis^1,2

¹ Georgia State University · ² Indiana University – Purdue University Indianapolis

Abstract

Shoplifting is a troubling and widespread aspect of consumer behavior, particularly among adolescents, yet it has attracted little attention from consumer researchers. This article reports and interprets findings on the pervasiveness of shoplifting among adolescents, the characteristics that distinguish adolescent shoplifters from their nonshoplifting peers, and adolescents' views regarding the reasons for this behavior. Our findings contradict some popular stereotypes concerning the typical shoplifter and suggest some rethinking about adolescents' reasons for shoplifting.

DOI

10.1086/208545

Sources

openalex