What is the purpose of a boycott?

A boycott serves primarily as a form of protest against the practices of a manufacturer or service provider that are perceived to be unethical, harmful, or contrary to the values of the protesting group. The underlying goal of a boycott is to leverage economic pressure by refusing to purchase or support those organizations until they change their policies or practices. This action can draw public attention to the issues at hand, foster solidarity among supporters of the cause, and potentially lead to significant changes in the targeted entity’s behavior.

Focusing on the other options, increasing sales is typically the opposite of what a boycott aims to achieve, while promoting consumer awareness, although related to social causes, is more about educating the public rather than protesting specific practices. Similarly, favoring a company's ethical standards does not directly connect with the primary aim of a boycott, which is to oppose actions deemed unacceptable by the boycotting group.