Clarifying the Relationship Between Political Consumerism and Political Persuasion Over Time

Abstract

Political consumerism has emerged as a popular form of participation among lay citizens. For the most part, research has delved into the main antecedents that explain this type of consumption. However, research has generally neglected to consider political consumerism as an independent variable, and its role influencing and igniting other forms of political behavior. This study theoretically argues that politically motivated consumerism will incite people to generally seek to persuade others of political issues. Using causal order tests and Random Intercept Cross-lagged Panel Structural Equation Models from a two-wave panel survey from the United States, the study shows robust empirical evidence that this is the case.