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INTERNATIONAL JOURNAL OF ADVANCED RESEARCH IN COMMERCE, MANAGEMENT & SOCIAL SCIENCE (IJARCMSS) [ Vol. 9 | No. 2 (I) | April - June, 2026 ]

An Empirical Analysis of Consumer Attitude towards Market Malpractices in Thiruvannamalai District

M.Ponnurangam & Dr. V. Ranganathan

Market malpractices such as adulteration, substandard goods, unfair trade practices have become major challenges affecting consumer welfare in recent years. This study examines the attitude of consumer towards these malpractices in thiruvannamalai District. The primary objectives is to analyze consumer awareness, perception, and behavioral response to adulterated products, low –quality goods, and unethical business practices. The study is based on primary data collected from 500 respondents using a structured questionnaire. Convenience sampling technique has been adopted for data collection. The collected data were analyzed using statistical tools such as percentage analysis, chi-square test, and analysis of variance (ANOVA) to identify the relationship between socio-economic variables and consumer attitude. The finding of the study reveal that while a significant proportion of consumers are aware of adulteration and unfair trade practices, their level of awareness regarding legal remedies and consumer protection mechanisms is relatively low. It also observed that demographic factors such as age, education, income, and occupation have a significant impact on consumer attitude. Further, many consumers tend to lack of proper knowledge and procedural difficulties in filing complaints. The study concludes that there is an urgent need to strengthen consumer awareness programmes, improve access to grievance redressal systems, and ensure strict enforcement of consumer protection laws. The results of the study will help policymakers, consumer organizations, and marketers to promote ethical practices and enhance consumer protection in the market.

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