Student views on corporate social responsibility in an Australian fast food context

Abstract

[Abstract]: Socially responsible corporations are obligated to minimise their negative impact on society. This paper considers first-year student viewpoints regarding social responsibility in the fast food marketing context in Australia. Three hundred and sixty four essays addressing the topic 'Are marketers responsible for rising levels of obesity?' were content analysed. Student views varied considerably suggesting that corporate social responsibility will continue to be a controversial issue. Three-quarters of students believed that marketers were responsible, either wholly or in part, for rising obesity levels. While students noted that governments, society and individuals share responsibility, the current practices employed by fast food marketers were generally viewed by students as irresponsible.