Dr. Cavusoglu Unveils the Interplay Between Marketplace Dynamics and Diversity at the ICAR 2023 Conference

College of Business faculty member Dr. Cavusoglu delivered a compelling keynote speech at the International Center for Anti-Consumption Research (ICAR) 2023 Conference, hosted at the University of Sydney Business School on December 11-12, 2023. Dr. Cavusoglu's impactful address, titled "Finding Identity in the Face of Marketplace Stigma," alongside collaborator Prof. Russell Belk, set the tone for the conference's exploration of critical issues in contemporary consumer behavior.

The conference opening speech presented the challenges faced by individuals with facial differences and their experiences with identity struggles within the marketplace. Dr. Cavusoglu provided profound insights into how marginalized groups reclaim derogatory labels and redefine stigmatized identities through anti-consumption practices such as refraining from cosmetic applications, surgeries, and prosthetics to conceal their differences.

In addition to this groundbreaking research, Dr. Cavusoglu also shared her ongoing project titled "Unveiling the Interplay Between Marketplace DEI and Anti-consumption Practices," conducted in collaboration with Prof. Melike Demirbag-Kaplan. This innovative study delves into the multifaceted dynamics of diversity, equity, and inclusion (DEI) within marketplaces, with a particular focus on the fashion industry.

Acknowledging the pivotal role of DEI initiatives in shaping consumer behaviors, Dr. Cavusoglu's research highlights the lack of DEI strategies in the fashion industry and presents the resultant anti-consumption behaviors embraced by consumers. The findings underscore the burgeoning influence of consumers and their efforts to address the lack of diversity within fashion markets, underscoring the imperative for industry practitioners to comprehend and respond to evolving consumer expectations surrounding DEI.

Dr. Cavusoglu's keynote address and research presentation exemplify a pioneering effort to unravel the intricate interplay between marketplace dynamics, social identities, and consumer behaviors. By shedding light on these critical issues, her work propels academia and industry towards creating more inclusive and socially responsible marketplaces that resonate with contemporary consumer values.