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

Małecka, Agnieszka (author), Pfajfar, Gregor (author)

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.

• Language: English
• Keywords: consumption, consumer behaviour, sustainable development, informal economy, sustainability, equality, consumer resistance
• Work type: Article
• Typology: 1.01 - Original Scientific Article
• Organization: EF - School of Economics and Business
• Publication status: Published
• Publication version: Version of Record
• Year: 2025
• Number of pages: Str. 14-23
• Numbering: Vol. 30, no. 1
• PID: 20.500.12556/RUL-179032
• UDC: 339.138
• ISSN on article: 2080-5993
• DOI: 10.15611/fins.2025.1.02
• COBISS.SI-ID: 247924739
• Publication date in RUL: 03.02.2026

Record is a part of a journal

• Title: Nauki o Finansach
• Shortened title: Nauki Finans.
• Publisher: Publishing House of Wroclaw University of Economics and Business
• ISSN: 2080-5993
• COBISS.SI-ID: 114599171

Licences

• License: CC BY-SA 4.0, Creative Commons Attribution-ShareAlike 4.0 International
• Link: http://creativecommons.org/licenses/by-sa/4.0/
• Description: This Creative Commons license is very similar to the regular Attribution license, but requires the release of all derivative works under this same license.

Secondary language

• Language: Polish
• Title: Wychodząc poza konieczność
• Keywords: potrošnja, vedenje potrošnikov, trajnostni razvoj