In all the jokes about shopping, for some reason, a woman always spends the entire family budget on incomprehensible nonsense, and a man has enough tattered hryvnia for all needs, he is so economical. But are we, ladies, spenders like that?
We figured out what the “pink tax” is and why “female” goods are sometimes absurdly more expensive than men’s. And we are ready to tell you all the outrageous details!
And if you want to learn more about feminism, equality, and rights, read our new special topic “The Power is You”, especially for International Women’s Day!
What is a “pink tax”?
Here is an example of an outrageous situation: the same white basic T-shirt in the men’s and women’s departments of the same store is priced differently. Men’s is cheaper, women’s is more expensive. If you have ever experienced such injustice, then you have experienced the so-called “pink tax”.
And this is a common occurrence in most stores, as well as in the service sector.
What’s the output?
Women’s salaries are 25% less than men’s salaries for the same job, so this kind of injustice hits our pockets extremely hard in the first place. Women spend more and get less, while men spend less and get more. And where is the justice?
“Pink tax” in our lives
Toiletries come to mind first. Disposable razors for women and men are two different stories. Women tend to dull faster, and also cost more than similar men. Let this difference be only a couple of hryvnias, but count how many machines you need for a year and be amazed at the amount that they took from you just for a pink razor.
Perfumes for women and for men are two huge different stories. For example – commonly paired aromas. The same volume, but the fragrance “for her” will cost more than “for him”.
But, for example, beauty services. She cuts the ends of her hair, and he does an elaborate haircut. And she still pays more.
Let’s try to dress up in basic clothes. Let’s choose an image with a turtleneck and be horrified by the fact that:
- it is impossible to find women’s simple black turtlenecks (all with inscriptions, rhinestones and all sorts of nonsense);
- women’s turtlenecks are more expensive than men’s;
- men’s turtlenecks are sewn from a more pleasant and strong material, which obviously will not stretch after a couple of months.
Many children’s products are still divided into “for boys” and “for girls”. Well, every mother understands that a set of clothes for a girl will cost more than a set of the same clothes, but for a boy.
What to do in such a situation?
- First of all, remember about the trend for conscious consumption and think about what you and only you want. Maybe you really like the scents of sandalwood and leather, oak and black pepper, rather than magnolia and vanilla?
- Think about what exactly you are buying. Do you need to shave your legs or buy shaving gel in a beautiful package? Yes, products from the “women’s” section are much prettier, with colorful packaging, calligraphy, and subtle scents, but why pay more if you want a feature?
- Complain. From childhood, we were taught that it’s not good to talk badly, but such a situation literally forces you to pull yourself together, frown and complain. Especially if the same products with the same properties, but in different departments of the store are with a huge and unpleasant difference.
Gradually, the days of the “pink tax” in our stores are passing, because more and more people pay attention to social injustice. And yet, such a nuisance still exists. Tell us in the comments if you have experienced the “pink tax” and overpaid for basic items just because they were in the women’s department?
