The Power of Pink: Cause-Related Marketing and the Impact on Breast Cancer

Journal of American College of Radiology, Vol. 6, pp. 26-32, 2009

7 Pages Posted: 19 Dec 2010

See all articles by Jennifer A. Harvey

Jennifer A. Harvey

Department of Radiology

Michal Ann Strahilevitz

Saint Mary's College of California - School of Economics & Business

Date Written: 2009

Abstract

The pink ribbon is one of the most widely recognized symbols in the United States. It can symbolize strength, hope, responsibility, empathy, and permission to discuss breast cancer, though not all associations are uniformly positive. Cause-related marketing is an agreement between nonprofit and for-profit organizations to promote a product that provides benefit for the cause through increasing awareness and financial contributions from sales. For-profit organizations benefit through the association of the positive ideology of the pink ribbon. The relationship between the organizations should be mutually beneficial; the percentage of funds donated should be reasonable, and the organizations that benefit should be respected institutions. Many breast cancer organizations have obtained significant benefit from corporate partnerships in cause-related marketing. Certainly, breast cancer awareness is much stronger now than 15 years ago. However, not all products are appropriate for promotion, particularly products that may increase the risk for breast cancer, such as alcohol. No corporation is licensed to have exclusive use of the pink ribbon symbol, leaving it open to potential abuse. Backlash by consumers has raised awareness of the misuse of the pink ribbon and cause related marketing. As marketing becomes more global, the impact of the pink ribbon in the third world may spur open dialogue and reduce the taboo associated with breast cancer observed in some cultures.

Keywords: Marketing, consumerism, breast cancer, research funding

JEL Classification: M30, M31, M37, M39

Suggested Citation

Harvey, Jennifer A. and Strahilevitz, Michal Ann, The Power of Pink: Cause-Related Marketing and the Impact on Breast Cancer (2009). Journal of American College of Radiology, Vol. 6, pp. 26-32, 2009, Available at SSRN: https://ssrn.com/abstract=1728194

Jennifer A. Harvey

Department of Radiology ( email )

1400 University Ave
Charlottesville, VA 22903
United States

HOME PAGE: http://www.medicine.virginia.edu/clinical/departments/radiology/research/Harvey-page

Michal Ann Strahilevitz (Contact Author)

Saint Mary's College of California - School of Economics & Business ( email )

United States
510-594-9999 (Phone)