This research will focus on the topic of ethics in marketing. An attempt will be made to provide a philosophical point of view. Following the introduction section of this paper will be a summary of relevant opposing articles and a summary of relevant articles. Where possible, these summaries will include the author's credentials, along with quotes and critique. There will also be a section, devoted to current related developments (current news items). There will also be recommendations that will include opinions and reasons why these opinions are held. The concluding section of the research will discuss the future (legislation, public opinion).
For the purposes of focusing this research paper on ethics in marketing, one major relevant topic related to the topic of ethics in marketing was selected to serve both as a focus of the ethics in marketing debate and to provide a concrete example for analysis. There were numerous ethics in marketing topics available from which to choose. Current debate on marketing and ethics includes cigarettes, alcohol and the advertising of professional services. For the purpose of this paper, the focus will be on alcohol.
With regards to the ethics of marketing and alcohol, there is a spectrum of opinion. This ranges from those who say that alcohol is bad for the health (leading to alcoholism) and should not be consumed or advertiser to those who feel that alcohol is no different from any other product and should be allowed full access to the marketplace.
The first set of articles to be looked at are those articles whose thesis is that the advertising of alcohol should be restricted because of the potentially harmful nature of the product.
According to Marc Leepson, a staff writer for Editorial Research Reports, the Federal Trade Commission has been petitioned by women's groups, consumer groups, health groups, and religious organizations to ban beer and wine commercials or at lea...