Home Economics - Junior Secondary 3 - Consumer rights and challenges

TERM: 1^ST TERM

WEEK: 1

CLASS: Junior Secondary School 3

AGE: 14 years

DURATION: 40 minutes each for 2 periods

DATE:

SUBJECT: Home economics

TOPIC: Consumer rights and challenges

SPECIFIC OBJECTIVES: At the end of the lesson, the learners should be able to

1.) Define consumer

2.) State and explain the rights of a consumer

3.) Outline the challenges of a consumer

INSTRUCTIONAL TECHNIQUES: Identification, explanation, questions and answers, demonstration, story-telling, videos from source

INSTRUCTIONAL MATERIALS: Recommended Home economics textbooks for Junior Secondary School 3

INSTRUCTIONAL PROCEDURES: PERIOD 1-2:

NOTE

CONSUMER RIGHTS AND CHALLENGES

A consumer is an individual or group who purchases goods or services for personal use rather than for resale or manufacturing. Consumers are the end-users in the supply chain and are crucial in driving demand in the market.

Rights of a Consumer

1. Right to Safety:
   Consumers have the right to be protected against goods and services that are hazardous to health or life. Products must meet safety standards to prevent harm when used as intended.
   • Example: The right to avoid purchasing harmful or unsafe food, drugs, or toys.
2. Right to Information:
   Consumers are entitled to receive accurate information about the goods and services they are purchasing. This includes details such as ingredients, risks, and usage instructions.
   • Example: Labeling on food products or medicines that informs consumers about nutritional content, expiry dates, or possible side effects.
3. Right to Choose:
   Consumers have the freedom to choose from a variety of products or services at competitive prices. They should not be forced to buy a particular product or service.
   • Example: Being able to choose between different brands, sizes, or features when purchasing a product.
4. Right to Redress:
   Consumers are entitled to seek compensation or remedy if they are dissatisfied with a product or service. This could be through refunds, repairs, or replacements.
   • Example: If a product is faulty or does not meet the standards promised, a consumer can demand a replacement or refund.
5. Right to Consumer Education:
   Consumers have the right to be educated about their rights, responsibilities, and how to make informed decisions when purchasing goods or services.
   • Example: Access to information about consumer rights, product quality, and how to report issues.
6. Right to Healthy Environment:
   Consumers have the right to live in a safe and healthy environment. This includes protection from harmful pollutants and the right to products that do not negatively impact their well-being.
   • Example: The right to clean air and water and to products that do not contribute to environmental degradation.

Challenges of a Consumer

1. Deceptive Advertising:
   Consumers are often misled by false or exaggerated advertisements about the quality, features, or benefits of products. This can result in consumers purchasing items that do not meet their expectations or needs.
   • Example: A product being marketed with claims that it can perform tasks it cannot, leading to dissatisfaction.
2. Price Exploitation:
   Some businesses may overcharge consumers or exploit them, particularly in monopolistic markets where competition is low. This can make it difficult for consumers to access goods and services at fair prices.
   • Example: Consumers in areas with few stores may face inflated prices for basic necessities like food and fuel.
3. Substandard Products:
   Consumers may encounter products that do not meet quality standards or are unsafe to use. This could result in financial loss or harm to the consumer.
   • Example: A consumer purchasing clothing that tears easily or electronics that malfunction quickly after purchase.
4. Lack of Consumer Protection:
   In some regions, there may be insufficient laws or enforcement of consumer protection rights, leaving consumers vulnerable to exploitation and fraud.
   • Example: A consumer being unable to get a refund or repair for a faulty product due to weak consumer protection regulations.
5. Limited Access to Information:
   Consumers may not always have access to adequate or reliable information about products or services, making it difficult to make informed choices.
   • Example: Difficulty in understanding the terms and conditions of a service or product, leading to poor decision-making.
6. Counterfeit and Fake Products:
   The presence of counterfeit products in the market poses a significant challenge to consumers. These products often have poor quality and may even be harmful.
   • Example: Consumers purchasing fake branded goods, such as electronics or cosmetics, that do not meet safety or quality standards.

EVALUATION:

1. How do consumer rights protect individuals from unfair practices in the marketplace? Provide examples of how these rights can be enforced.
2. Explain the importance of consumer education in ensuring that consumers make informed purchasing decisions. How can this education be improved?
3. Describe the challenges consumers face when purchasing products in a market with limited competition. How do these challenges affect consumer behavior?
4. What is the role of deceptive advertising in undermining consumer confidence, and what can be done to reduce its impact?
5. Discuss how consumers can protect themselves from counterfeit products and the importance of supporting legitimate businesses.

CLASSWORK: As in evaluation

CONCLUSION: The teacher marks their books and commends them positively