CORPORATE SOCIAL RESPONSIBILITY IN THE FASHION INDUSTRY: EVIDENCE FROM UNIVERSITY STUDENTS IN CHILE

This study examines significant differences in perceptions of Corporate Social Responsibility (CSR) among university students in Chile who consume products and services from the fashion industry. A quantitative, non-experimental, cross-sectional research design was employed, combining exploratory factor analysis and inferential statistical procedures. A structured survey instrument was administered to a non-probabilistic sample of 302 students. Exploratory factor analysis confirmed a four-dimensional structure of CSR, corresponding to economic, legal, ethical, and phil anthropic dimensions, demonstrating satisfactory levels of internal consistency. Inferential analyses revealed statistically significant differences based on academic characteristics, particularly university affiliation, field of study, and year of study, with the legal and economic dimensions showing the most pronounced variation. The findings underscore the role of higher education in shaping responsible consumption patterns and highlight the need for firms in the fashion industry to align their strategies with the ethical and regulatory expectations of young consumers.