Marketing and Seduction: Building Exchange Relationships by Managing Social Consensus

Abstract

We distinguish seduction from persuasion and other ways to draw consumers into exchange relationships. A legal case involving the prosecution of a mail fraud known as Chonda-Za is used to illustrate seduction, and the concept is defined in terms of social constructionist theory. We identify five stages in the unfolding of a seduction and draw parallels and contrasts to the formation of a normal exchange relationship. We explore the enrollment stage in more detail and model it as a matter of inducing consumers to accept progressively more involving role agreements. The distinction between legitimate and illegitimate seduction is also examined.