SECTION 8D – PRODUCTS AND SOCIAL ISSUES
CASE 8.19 – THE MOMMY DOLL
Answers and Key Discussion Items
1. The concern about that doll is that it would glorify, encourage, and make look glamorous teenage
2. People differ in their views on the doll. Some see the doll as a means of educating children about the
3. Parents always have the ultimate control over what comes into the home but friends will still have the
Note: Have the students consider the latest concern about the talking Barbie doll that says, “Math is
tough.” The concern is a characterization of women, i.e. that they can’t do math. Ask the students
4. Mattel addressed the concerns of parents and still sold the doll. There was the father figure at least.
The issue of childbirth being a relatively routine event from which there is easy recovery remains
CASE 8.20 – FAST-FOOD LIABILITY
Answers and Key Discussion Items
1. Yes, all of these questions are relevant in terms of determining both causation from a legal
perspective and accountability from an ethical perspective. There is a requirement of tying damages
2. Personal accountability is the normative standard at issue here: should we be responsible for the
3. A flurry of McLawsuits would mean that the company and its shareholders and employees would
absorb the costs of paying off the lawsuits. There are no free rides – shifting consequences means
4. McDonald’s is taking action to thwart criticism even if there is no legal liability. Also, the company is
offering choices for a healthy diet at its restaurants, not requiring people to go elsewhere to find the
CASE 8.21 – BARBIE DOESN’T LIKE MATH
Answers and Key Discussion Items
1. The issues are somewhat similar in that there is concern about what is sold to children. However,
2. The children, the parents, the moral ecology of society are all stakeholders in the types of toys a
3. This is a classic debate over social responsibility vs. profits. There is money to be made from