Videos by Ellis Jones
[80 min] 2019 Presentation giving to The Amity Foundation in Los Angeles, CA explaining the role ... more [80 min] 2019 Presentation giving to The Amity Foundation in Los Angeles, CA explaining the role of ethical consumerism in the 21st century [56 min] Leaders of the ethical consumer organizations in the US, UK, and AUS come together to ch... more [56 min] Leaders of the ethical consumer organizations in the US, UK, and AUS come together to chat about their work and the evolution of ethical consumerism in 2010. Includes Nick Ray, Ellis Jones, Jonathan Melhuish, Terry Newholm, Dorothea Kleine, Rob Harrison, and Ainsley. 6 views
[1 min] This video describes the basic idea behind Voter Glass, a smartphone app developed to gen... more [1 min] This video describes the basic idea behind Voter Glass, a smartphone app developed to generate honesty report cards for US politicians based on publicly available fact-checking data. 2 views
[24 min] Ellis Jones' online interview with Hideki Nakahara for the 2020 Tokushima International ... more [24 min] Ellis Jones' online interview with Hideki Nakahara for the 2020 Tokushima International Consumers Forum 4 views
[90 min] This was part of the SCORAI 2020 virtual conference. The panel is called "Ethical Consum... more [90 min] This was part of the SCORAI 2020 virtual conference. The panel is called "Ethical Consumerism & Its Discontents". It involves three panelists: Ellis Jones, Jolanta Zralek, and John Krochmalny. 3 views
[6 min] 2020 video abstract of a talk given (virtually) at the 2020 SCORAI conference in Boston
10 views
[5 min] HuffPostLive conducted a 30 min panel interview in 2013 to dig into ethical consumerism b... more [5 min] HuffPostLive conducted a 30 min panel interview in 2013 to dig into ethical consumerism based on the release of an app called Buycott. This is part 1 of Ellis Jones' participation in that virtual panel. 4 views
[90 min] This is an invited presentation by Ellis Jones on ethical consumerism given at Gordon Co... more [90 min] This is an invited presentation by Ellis Jones on ethical consumerism given at Gordon College (MA) in 2012 Books by Ellis Jones
New Society Publishers, 2017
Now in its sixth edition, The Better World Shopping Guide is the most comprehensive guide availab... more Now in its sixth edition, The Better World Shopping Guide is the most comprehensive guide available for socially and environmentally responsible consumers. Drawing on over 25 years of research, this 100,000-copy bestseller rates every product on the shelf from A
to F so you can quickly tell the “good guys” from the “bad guys” — turning your grocery list into a powerful tool to change the world.
5000+ hours of research
1500+ companies evaluated
70 product categories
50 reliable sources
5 essential issues
1 report card
Including new product categories, a more accurate ranking system, additional business profiles and links to the latest online resources, The Better World Shopping Guide will help you find out which companies actually “walk the talk” when it comes to:
environmental sustainability
human rights
community involvement
animal protection
social justice
Small enough to fit in a back pocket or handbag and organized in a user-friendly format, The Better World Shopping Guide will help you change the world as you shop!
New Society Publishers, 2007
Journal Articles by Ellis Jones
Humanity & Society, 2020
In order to contribute to the ongoing discussion of the evolving nature of public sociology, this... more In order to contribute to the ongoing discussion of the evolving nature of public sociology, this article reflects on a public sociology research project a decade after presenting it as part of the keynote for the 2009 Annual Conference for the Association for Humanist Sociology. The Better World Shopper project focuses on quantifying 32 years of social and environmental responsibility data on 2,204 companies into numerical values that are then translated into A-F grades for the public through a regularly updated book, smartphone app, and website. Rooted in social movements theory and the growing literature on ethical consumerism, the methodology for the project is discussed in detail, including how data are weighted, updated, and an evaluation of how various biases are addressed throughout the analysis. The project is offered up as one example of how humanist sociology and public sociology can overlap in ways that can generate much needed conversations outside of academe.
Sociological Perspectives, 2019
Utilizing data drawn from online and print advertisements, this research compares the green adver... more Utilizing data drawn from online and print advertisements, this research compares the green advertising techniques of companies with well-documented strong and weak social and environmental track records. Notwithstanding more subtle, divergent narratives suggesting that more responsible companies direct the consumer gaze toward more political and systemic issues while their counterparts tend to emphasize relatively low-cost, scientific, and philanthropic efforts, the main findings indicate that all companies employ a very similar grand narrative focused on consumer empowerment regardless of their actual ethical track record. This suggests that most attempts, by consumers and scholars alike, to determine anything meaningful about actual corporate practices via an analysis of environmental advertising, may be largely futile. A dramaturgical framework is employed to argue that the findings are most suitably explained by reframing green advertising as a form of impression management for an audience of ethical consumers. Thus, greenwashing emerges only when such performances are contradicted by a company’s actual environmental track record. The author proposes a more relational definition of greenwashing to reorient the analytical focus on the processes behind, and connections between, the product, the company, and the industry, including their broader cultural context.
Journal of Corporate Citizenship, 2017
This paper contributes to an ongoing effort by scholars to bridge the gap between the growing lit... more This paper contributes to an ongoing effort by scholars to bridge the gap between the growing literatures on corporate social responsibility (CSR) and ethical consum- erism (EC) by proposing that these phenomena be considered as two ends of an economic communication system linking companies and consumers. Though some researchers have called into question the data sources that most ethical consumers rely on when making their decisions in the marketplace and others have noted the shortcomings in the accuracy of our systems of CSR measurement, in neither of these cases have researchers been able to uncover viable alternatives to the imperfect solution of third party certifications (aka ecolabels). Emerging consumer-oriented CSR rating systems, being utilized by millions of consumers in the Anglosphere, may represent some of the first alternatives for CSR and EC scholars, as well as for ethical consumers themselves. This research compares the four most popular consumer- oriented CSR measurement systems produced in the US (GoodGuide, Better World Shopper), UK (Ethical Consumer) and Australia (Shop Ethical). While thousands of companies are rated in each system, statistical analyses are focused on comparing the CSR ratings of the 106 companies common to all four systems. The findings reveal that although each system’s goals of measuring CSR are closely aligned, out- comes are considerably divergent.
Humanity & Society, 2015
This article documents the process of having students research, create, edit, and self-publish a ... more This article documents the process of having students research, create, edit, and self-publish a book of social theorist profiles (arranged alphabetically from Adorno to Weber) for a required theory course I teach in the department of sociology. An ongoing project, it currently spans over three semesters worth of theory students with each class building on the work of the last. It is both a guide to implementing a similar project in any course (though particularly rel- evant to those specifically looking to engage students in their sociological theory course) and an analysis of the lessons I have learned along the way that may help others overcome a number of the inherent challenges. Although others are certainly implementing projects like this in their own college classrooms, the materials available in peer-reviewed journals are almost nonexistent. I assert that public sociologists, in particular, should consider taking on these kinds of projects as they both benefit larger communities and allow us to reconsider the long-term results of our teaching efforts.
Social Movement Studies, 2012
Book Chapters by Ellis Jones
Craft Beverages and Tourism, Volume 2: Environmental, Societal, and Marketing Implications, 2018
In this chapter, Jones provides an overview of how sustainability is conceptualized and practiced... more In this chapter, Jones provides an overview of how sustainability is conceptualized and practiced in the US craft brewing industry. Drawing on interviews with the sustainability coordinators from widely-recognized " green " craft breweries, Jones paints a picture of companies that consistently practice sustainable behaviors but who are reluctant to communicate their environmental accomplishments to the broader public. While five major factors contribute to this unusual behavior, the complicated relationship between craft brewers and the dominant US beer producers plays a substantial role. The chapter concludes by noting that the increasingly popular adoption and practice of corporate sustainability (CS) by craft brewers, may inadvertently result in a McDonaldization of the more traditional notion of corporate social responsibility (CSR) as the dominant model for pursuing business ethics.
Untapped: Exploring the Cultural Dimensions of Craft Beer, 2017
In this chapter we look at the craft beer movement in New England. Like many other places in the ... more In this chapter we look at the craft beer movement in New England. Like many other places in the United States, craft beer in New England is burgeoning. But perhaps unique to New England is the way in which brewers and brewery owners are framing the movement. In our interviews with craft brewers, respondents spoke of the relationship between beer, place, and ethics. Over our research it became apparent that making beer in New England evoked a return to a pastoral landscape and the early cottage industry of " Yankee material production. " Likewise, respondents saw their production of beer as part of an ethical process that created "networked ecologies" of consumption and production. Furthermore, they framed what they do not as a form of resistance against the dominance of corporate beer producers, but as a concerted effort to educate or help transition mainstream beer drinkers to the world of craft beer.
Sociological Odyssey: Contemporary Readings In Introductory Sociology, Jan 2012
Encyclopedia Entries by Ellis Jones
The Wiley-Blackwell Encyclopedia of Consumption and Consumer Studies, Mar 2015
Socially responsible marketing is practiced by companies engaged in corporate social responsibili... more Socially responsible marketing is practiced by companies engaged in corporate social responsibility as a way to clearly communicate their positive social and environmental behaviors to ethical consumers. The opposite practice, greenwashing, is commonly used by companies attempting to gain undue credit for a lackluster commitment to responsible social and environmental behaviors. While the former is preferable, the latter has become increasingly sophisticated and dominant in the marketplace.
Smartphone Apps by Ellis Jones
iOS & Android, 2018
Honesty Report Cards For Politicians Based On 2018 Fact-Checking Data
GRADES
A: 90-100
B:... more Honesty Report Cards For Politicians Based On 2018 Fact-Checking Data
GRADES
A: 90-100
B: 80-89
C: 70-79
D: 60-69
F: 50-59
G: 0-49
( ) = only 1 to 5 statements analyzed
n/d = no data available
Formula: True=1, Mostly True=.75, Half True=.5, Mostly False=.25, False=0, Pants on Fire=-1
2018 Class Curve: +.26
Currently includes: 100 senators, 190 representatives, 24 governors, and 26 White House officials.
All raw data is publicly available via PolitiFact. This app is a part of an independent research project and is not affiliated with PolitiFact, its owners, its affiliates, or its employees.
This research was inspired by students at College of the Holy Cross in Worcester, MA doing a detailed analysis of political advertisements in a sociology course taught by Professor Ellis Jones.
Not liberal. Not conservative. Just honest.
iOS: https://itunes.apple.com/us/app/voter-glass/id1430148484?mt=8
Android: https://play.google.com/store/apps/details?id=com.appsheet.whitelabel.guid_e583596b_201c_479e_89a5_845202244f64
Uploads
Videos by Ellis Jones
Books by Ellis Jones
to F so you can quickly tell the “good guys” from the “bad guys” — turning your grocery list into a powerful tool to change the world.
5000+ hours of research
1500+ companies evaluated
70 product categories
50 reliable sources
5 essential issues
1 report card
Including new product categories, a more accurate ranking system, additional business profiles and links to the latest online resources, The Better World Shopping Guide will help you find out which companies actually “walk the talk” when it comes to:
environmental sustainability
human rights
community involvement
animal protection
social justice
Small enough to fit in a back pocket or handbag and organized in a user-friendly format, The Better World Shopping Guide will help you change the world as you shop!
Journal Articles by Ellis Jones
Book Chapters by Ellis Jones
Encyclopedia Entries by Ellis Jones
Smartphone Apps by Ellis Jones
GRADES
A: 90-100
B: 80-89
C: 70-79
D: 60-69
F: 50-59
G: 0-49
( ) = only 1 to 5 statements analyzed
n/d = no data available
Formula: True=1, Mostly True=.75, Half True=.5, Mostly False=.25, False=0, Pants on Fire=-1
2018 Class Curve: +.26
Currently includes: 100 senators, 190 representatives, 24 governors, and 26 White House officials.
All raw data is publicly available via PolitiFact. This app is a part of an independent research project and is not affiliated with PolitiFact, its owners, its affiliates, or its employees.
This research was inspired by students at College of the Holy Cross in Worcester, MA doing a detailed analysis of political advertisements in a sociology course taught by Professor Ellis Jones.
Not liberal. Not conservative. Just honest.
iOS: https://itunes.apple.com/us/app/voter-glass/id1430148484?mt=8
Android: https://play.google.com/store/apps/details?id=com.appsheet.whitelabel.guid_e583596b_201c_479e_89a5_845202244f64
to F so you can quickly tell the “good guys” from the “bad guys” — turning your grocery list into a powerful tool to change the world.
5000+ hours of research
1500+ companies evaluated
70 product categories
50 reliable sources
5 essential issues
1 report card
Including new product categories, a more accurate ranking system, additional business profiles and links to the latest online resources, The Better World Shopping Guide will help you find out which companies actually “walk the talk” when it comes to:
environmental sustainability
human rights
community involvement
animal protection
social justice
Small enough to fit in a back pocket or handbag and organized in a user-friendly format, The Better World Shopping Guide will help you change the world as you shop!
GRADES
A: 90-100
B: 80-89
C: 70-79
D: 60-69
F: 50-59
G: 0-49
( ) = only 1 to 5 statements analyzed
n/d = no data available
Formula: True=1, Mostly True=.75, Half True=.5, Mostly False=.25, False=0, Pants on Fire=-1
2018 Class Curve: +.26
Currently includes: 100 senators, 190 representatives, 24 governors, and 26 White House officials.
All raw data is publicly available via PolitiFact. This app is a part of an independent research project and is not affiliated with PolitiFact, its owners, its affiliates, or its employees.
This research was inspired by students at College of the Holy Cross in Worcester, MA doing a detailed analysis of political advertisements in a sociology course taught by Professor Ellis Jones.
Not liberal. Not conservative. Just honest.
iOS: https://itunes.apple.com/us/app/voter-glass/id1430148484?mt=8
Android: https://play.google.com/store/apps/details?id=com.appsheet.whitelabel.guid_e583596b_201c_479e_89a5_845202244f64
*Human Rights
*The Environment
*Animal Protection
*Community Involvement
*Social Justice
Android: https://play.google.com/store/apps/details?id=com.app.p5972GE&hl=en
iOS: https://itunes.apple.com/us/app/better-world-shopper/id318369598?mt=8
_________________________________________
* Profiles of 37 Social Theorists From A to Z
* Useful Videos Illustrating Various Social Theories
* A Link To The Best Online Theorist Search Engine
* An Audio Recorder For Capturing Lecture Notes
* A Built-In Survey To Improve Future Versions
_________________________________________
This app is meant to be used as a quick reference for a wide range of social theorists who are important to the discipline of sociology. Each profile includes: a quotation, historical context, connections to other theorists, theoretical perspective, theoretical contributions and concepts, a descriptions of his/her major works, criticisms by other theorists, overall assessment of their impact on the field of sociology, further readings, and a list of citations used in researching each theorist.
_________________________________________
Designed by The Students of Social Theory
College of the Holy Cross
Worcester, MA
January 2015
_________________________________________
Android: https://play.google.com/store/apps/details?id=com.appypie.appypiecfc01ce924f6
iOS: https://itunes.apple.com/app/id957943917
1. What is greenwashing?
2. How do we identify greenwashing?
3. Who is doing the greenwashing?
4. Are our indicators adequate?
5. How do we improve our measurement?
This is preliminary work on research that will be submitted for peer-reviewed publication.
Academics in diverse disciplines and beer geeks are welcome to submit abstracts for chapters. Chapter proposals should be 500-1000 words and are due June 25, 2018. Proposals should include:
• The topic and how it fits into the framework of the book
• Key concepts of the chapter
• Methods (if the chapter is based on empirical research)
• Expected conclusions or outcomes
Please send proposals and any questions to Daina Cheyenne Harvey (dharvey@holycross.edu).
Ethical Consumerism: Navigating Greenwashing, CSR, Labels & Rating Systems [Organizer: Ellis Jones]
While ethical consumerism (EC) is becoming increasingly mainstream, it is simultaneously evolving into an exceedingly lucrative niche for companies to exploit. How do consumers navigate this marketplace full of misinformation, public relations, greenwashing, annual CSR reports, changing ethical labels, and organizations that rate and rank sustainable corporate behavior? Are there parallels to be drawn between consumers "voting with your dollars" and citizens casting their votes at the ballot box in an election year? If so, where do these similarities end? Are there resources that consumers and companies can utilize to move beyond "green spin" and into the incentivizing of verifiable, sustainable practices? Which are the most/least trustworthy resources currently available? Can we move beyond a debate that either embraces corporate social responsibility (CSR) as an unquestionably positive advance or dismisses the phenomenon as a cynical distraction from much needed socio-political change? How do CSR and EC change as we examine economic activity in other countries? What are our best examples of conditional successes and unprecedented failures in this area? How do we make sense of the recent Volkswagen scandal in which environmentally deceptive advertising allowed a company to increase their profits at the expense of the global commons?