Consumer sovereignty and freedom of choice in developing countries

Based on Amartya Sen’s notions of freedom of process and opportunity, this article explain the necessary conditions for the operation of markets to have results compatible with the concept of consumer sovereignty formulated by Hutt. These conditions are linked to the development of the basic capacities of consumers, the promotion of markets with plural options and the access to consumer justice mechanisms. It also examines the role of the State in meeting these conditions in developing countries.