Retailers may lose profits as a result of shoplifting and other unethical consumer behaviour. Research focusing on consumer ethical decision making is needed. Information provided by 1117 undergraduate students from universities within the US revealed that women are less accepting of unethical consumer behaviour than men. Subjects who reported that they very consistently follow the teachings of their primary faith are less accepting of unethical consumer behaviour than subjects who reported that they do not very consistently follow the teachings of their primary faith. Relationships between consumer ethical response scores and other demographic characteristics are discussed.

A sample of 1117 students (53% women, 47% men; 50% 18-20 yr. old, 41% 21-23, 9% over 23 years) in classes on two university campuses completed a questionnaire comprised of the Philosophies of Human Nature Scale and demographic items. Factor analysis was conducted on the scale scores. Multiple linear regression was used to examine the strength of association between each factor and the 6 demographic traits. One-way analysis of variance comparing subjects' scale scores for each factor indicated significant association for demographic traits. The Scheffé test was used to identify differences among groups. Sex, age, employment status, year in school, and consistency in practicing faith orientation were associated with factors of the Philosophies of Human Nature Scale.

A sample of 1117 students (53% women, 47% men; 50% 18-20 yr. old, 41% 21-23, 9% over 23 years) in classes on two university campuses completed a questionnaire comprised of the Philosophies of Human Nature Scale and demographic items. Factor analysis was conducted on the scale scores. Multiple linear regression was used to examine the strength of association between each factor and the 6 demographic traits. One-way analysis of variance comparing subjects' scale scores for each factor indicated significant association for demographic traits. The Scheffé test was used to identify differences among groups. Sex, age, employment status, year in school, and consistency in practicing faith orientation were associated with factors of the Philosophies of Human Nature Scale.