Marketing and Society’s Development: A Synthesis and Vision for the Future (Published)
This study is focused on marketing and society’s development: A synthesis and vision for the future. Marketing and society are closely intertwined, as marketing shapes consumer behaviors, influence cultural norms and impact economic and social well-being. This relationship is complex, with both positive and negative effects on society, depending on how marketing strategies are employed. A synthesis of marketing and society envisions a future where marketing practices align closely with societal goals, fostering sustainable growth, ethical standards and improved well-being. The focus is on creating a responsible marketing ecosystem that contributes positively to society. The main objective of this study is to synthesize insights on how marketing can become a positive tone for societal development, with recommendations for future practices that prioritize both business success and societal welfare. This study typically aims to critically and contextually analyze how marketing practices impact society’s economic, societal and environmental dimensions and ethical considerations; explore the responsibilities of marketing in addressing societal challenges, such as inequality, cultural diversity and ecological sustainability, and how these responsibilities can align with business goals; ascertain the evolving consumer behaviors influenced by social values, technology and globalization and how marketers can adapt to these changes while positively contributing to society; propose frameworks that guide future marketing strategies focused on long-term societal benefits and supporting sustainable development, and suggest collaborative efforts among businesses, governments, and non – profits to create marketing approaches that drive social and economical development inclusively. The study identifies and exploits marketing, and marketing evolution, sustainable marketing, ethical marketing, marketing criticisms, consumerism and corporate social responsibility; highlights sustainable business and ethical practices, contributions of marketing to the development of society and the key areas of the relationship between marketing and society. The study concluded that marketing impact on society is profound, with opportunities to shape a better future through responsible practices, inclusive representation and alignment with societal values. We, therefore, recommended that marketing practices that balance business success with social welfare are becoming increasingly important and the key strategies companies can adopt to achieve this balance are partnering with social causes (e.g. environmental protection, health initiatives) allows companies to align their brand with a cause that resonates with consumers, fostering loyalty and driving sales. This approach helps support meaningful social initiative while enhancing brand image, developing eco-friendly products, minimizing waste, and using sustainable materials benefit both the environment and appeal to socially conscious consumers. Practices like using recycled materials or creating products with longer lifecycle can differentiate brand and encourage repeat purchases, among others.
Keywords: Consumerism, Corporate Social Responsibility, Marketing, ethical marketing, localization and globalization, marketing criticisms, marketing vision and future., societal development, sustainable marketing