Buying Local: An Inquiry Into the Ethical Dimensions of Place in Consumer Decisions

Abstract

This thesis assesses the Buy Local Movement from a Christian perspective and argues that supporting a global market through personal buying choices has a greater potential to promote human flourishing for image bearers across the globe than restricting one’s buying completely to local sources. In chapter 1, I introduce the topic and survey the related literature. Chapter 2 is devoted to biblical and theological foundations for the debate, including human flourishing, the cultural mandate, natural law theory, and neighbor love. Chapter 3 explores economic factors such as the value of trade, the global wealth pie, division of labor, comparative advantage, competition, and protectionism. In chapter 4, ethical considerations are taken into account including income inequality, sweatshop working conditions, and the environment. The final chapter concludes my argument and shows practical ways it applies to Christians and churches.