PINK TAX: The Price of Womanhood
PINK TAX: The Price of Womanhood
BY: Jane Dunn - October 10, 2024
The term “beauty is pain” follows women from the time they learn how to shave their legs or get their first period until they are giving birth or experiencing menopause. The pain that comes with womanhood can be anticipated. However, what we aren’t prepared for is the extra cost we are expected to pay for it.
Article Graphic by Lana Welborn
The “pink tax” inflates the price of retailed goods and services directed towards the female audience. The Murray State News Organization defines it as this:
“The pink tax isn’t a federal tax that affects income tax refund, but it is a type of price discrimination that impacts millions of women’s personal finances and lives annually.”
It begins to affect women at a young age—toys and clothes being among the items that are affected. It follows us into adolescence and adulthood, creating a surcharge on female toiletries and services including haircuts and dry cleaning.
The pink tax is different from the “tampon tax,” an additional tax placed on menstrual hygiene products by brands labeling them as “luxury items” instead of necessities.
But what is the reality of this tax in day-to-day life? For college-aged women, the pink tax can add a huge financial burden to already harsh living conditions.
Senior IMC major at the University of Mississippi, Addison Lindsley, gave insight into how this affects her day to day.
“Pink tax is really frustrating to me because I already struggle to pay [for] groceries week to week, and then on top of that, I have to pay extra for basic necessities because I’m a woman?”
To add perspective, these products look like deodorant, razors, lotions, shampoo, and conditioner, among others.
“It’s disheartening that as a woman I can't enjoy the simple pleasures of purchasing a cute pink razor or good smelling shaving cream, but instead purchasing the same product in different colors or scents catered to men, and it being two to five dollars cheaper,” Lindsley states.
A study that the New York Department of Consumer Affairs conducted on the pink tax showcases this price differentiation.
“On average, personal care products cost women 13% more than men. In total, one of each average item cost women $57.18, and cost men $50.75, a difference of $6.43,” the study states.
While that may only seem like a couple of dollars short term, the money always adds up.
“The California Senate Committee on Judiciary and Senate Select the committee on Women, Work and Families stated in 2020 that Californian women pay an average of about $2,381 more, for the same goods and services, than men per year. That can add up to about $188,000 in pin tax throughout a woman's life.” BankRate reported.
This extra cost adds a lot of current and future stress to women.
“As graduation approaches and I look for jobs, I worry about the expectation placed on women to show up looking presentable to the workplace. Employers fail to understand the price of purchasing quality clothing and doing monthly upkeep such as nails, hair, etc,- it begins to rack up. Add in that women are historically paid less than men, and it’s like they’re setting women in the workplace up for failure.” Lindsley explains.
So, what are some practical ways to avoid the pink tax?
Go for Generic
Don’t be scared to say no to name brands. Search the shelves for cheaper items, matching the ingredient lists to your favorite labeled brands.
Shop Brands Actively Fighting
Believe it or not, there are brands out there that prioritize their customers more than a quick buck. Online shopping makes it easier and more efficient to locate these. Some include Bille, Dove, The Honest Company, Lola, Thinx, and Harry’s.
Can’t Beat Em’, Join Them
Go for blue! Pick up that men’s razor or shampoo if it appeals to you and your budget! In the end, they all work pretty much the same.
For more tips and tricks or insight keep reading Square Magazine and check out our Instagram @um.sqauremaginze.