Beyond necessity : how generation Z in Poland engages with informal markets for sustainable consumption

Małecka, Agnieszka (avtor), Pfajfar, Gregor (avtor)

Aim: This study focused on the interdependence of the informal economy and sustainable consumer behaviour. By using cluster analysis, it challenges traditional views that categorise the informal economyas marginal and economically backward. Methodology: A survey was used to collect the data from a group of respondents from Poland, representing generation Z (n = 115). Results: The research results made it possible to distinguish between two groups: one that actively chooses informal markets based on values, such as concern for the environment, social equality and identification with the global community, and another one that leans towards more traditional market approaches. The paper highlights that participation in the informal market involves a value-based choice influenced by ethical, environmental and ideological considerations, among others. Implications and recommendations: The findings offer valuable implications for policymakers and businesses, stressing the need for adaptive action that is in line with emerging consumer priorities and the changing role of the informal economy in sustainable development. Originality/value: This study links economic behaviour with psychological constructs. Previous research in this area focused on informal market participation to a very limited extent, mainly among marginalisedgroups (e.g. low-income populations). In turn, consumers with other characteristics, such as greater concern for the environment and a perceived need for equality, also engage in the informal economy, suggesting that ethical and sustainability considerations may guide informal market choices.

• Jezik: Angleški jezik
• Ključne besede: consumption, consumer behaviour, sustainable development, informal economy, sustainability, equality, consumer resistance
• Vrsta gradiva: Članek v reviji
• Tipologija: 1.01 - Izvirni znanstveni članek
• Organizacija: EF - Ekonomska fakulteta
• Status publikacije: Objavljeno
• Različica publikacije: Objavljena publikacija
• Leto izida: 2025
• Št. strani: Str. 14-23
• Številčenje: Vol. 30, no. 1
• PID: 20.500.12556/RUL-179032
• UDK: 339.138
• ISSN pri članku: 2080-5993
• DOI: 10.15611/fins.2025.1.02
• COBISS.SI-ID: 247924739
• Datum objave v RUL: 03.02.2026

Gradivo je del revije

• Naslov: Nauki o Finansach
• Skrajšan naslov: Nauki Finans.
• Založnik: Publishing House of Wroclaw University of Economics and Business
• ISSN: 2080-5993
• COBISS.SI-ID: 114599171

Licence

• Licenca: CC BY-SA 4.0, Creative Commons Priznanje avtorstva-Deljenje pod enakimi pogoji 4.0 Mednarodna
• Povezava: http://creativecommons.org/licenses/by-sa/4.0/deed.sl
• Opis: Ta licenca Creative Commons je zelo podobna običajni licenci Priznanje avtorstva, vendar zahteva, da so materialne avtorske pravice na izpeljanih delih upravljane z enako licenco.

Sekundarni jezik

• Jezik: Poljski jezik
• Naslov: Wychodząc poza konieczność
• Ključne besede: potrošnja, vedenje potrošnikov, trajnostni razvoj