Development and Evaluation of a Consumer Citizen Education Program for Parents and Children

Abstract

Though the Consumer Education Promotion Law states "education deepens understanding of participation in planning for consumers forming the civil society," goals for consumer education have not been met, especially for elementary school children and their parents. Based on the "image-map" framework for the consumer education system, a "consumer-citizen education program" was developed, implemented, and evaluated. Participant surveys revealed that the program helped children develop a clear awareness of the issue of food waste at home and in society, an intention to apply this, and a greater concern for the socially vulnerable. Adults were motivated to learn more about ethical consumption and developed improved awareness of the social consequences of consumption. Adults and children learned from each other through this program.