What Is The Pink Tax?
The pink tax can be seen as an “invisible tax” or gender-based pricing on products. The products meant for females are usually more expensive than products intended for the male counterpart, even if there is no actual difference in the contents of the products. It’s usually the pretty pink packaging that makes females believe there is a difference and justifies the difference in prices. Of course, this is not true. This is meant as a marketing strategy to make females spend more money on necessary products leading to unjust profits. Because these products are necessary, like razors, shampoo and conditions, and other hygiene essentials, they don’t have a choice but to spend money on them.
This pink tax can easily be seen on razors. Men’s razors cost significantly less than female razors even though both types have the exact same purpose. The pink tax costs women roughly Rs.1,55,831 per year. Another label given to the pink tax is called the tampon tax, which refers to the fee women pay for feminine hygiene and menstruation products such as pads, liners, cups, and tampons.
Social media hashtags like #genderpricing, #pinktax, and #AxThePinkTax have brought the attention of a lot of people to this issue of gender-based pricing. Scotland becomes the first country to make sanitary products free of charge.
Economic Disadvantage
This is a sad reality that even in the 21st-century, women are at an economic disadvantage compared to men. This is due to the wage gap existing in the working sector in which women are consistently paid less than men for the same work. In addition to that, women are also charged a higher interest rate for mortgage loans despite their consistently higher credit ratings.
In some states, the government doesn’t mandate paid maternity leave which forces women to either economically suffer during the time they should be on leave or work during this time with a high-risk factor on their health and safety.
“A woman’s income loss during pregnancy or parental leave can have significant and even devastating consequences for her family.”
Report from the National Partnership for Women & Families.
Men’s razors and other personal care products are labeled as necessities hence having a lower price whereas, women’s sanitary products are labeled as luxurious goods, thus being expensive, even though sanitary products are just as necessary as toilet paper or men’s personal care products.
In addition to all of this, women also deal with pink tax, which only adds to their high risk of economic instability and high expenditure.
How To Avoid Paying The Pink Tax?
Do not fall for the pretty packaging that products “designed for women” have. Buy the men’s version of products such as razors, shampoo, and other personal care products. The majority of the time, there is no actual difference in the content of the products; it’s only the feminine packaging that makes us believe that there must be a difference. Even for clothing such as basic t-shirts, button-up shirts and socks can be bought from the men’s section. Chances are they will even be of better quality, lower price, and longer durability as men’s clothing prioritize comfort, durability, practicality, and quality over style.
Instead of paying huge amounts for pads or tampons, it’s best to switch to menstrual cups. These menstrual cups last for 2-3 years and would save a lot of money that is usually spent on pads and tampons every month.
Be on the lookout for stores and companies that advertise that they’re “pink tax-free” and or offer unisex services for the same price.
The Fight Against The Pink Tax
The pink tax heavily affects a women’s life and her economic standing in society. Hence, we need to raise awareness about this issue and take countries like Scotland as an example to show that it is very much possible to, at the very least, reduce the expenditure on feminine products and make them cheaper. That would also increase accessibility for people who can’t afford such necessities.
ALSO CHECK OUT: 5 Traditions Around The World Related To Menstruation!