The Pink Tax
Written by Suhani Garg
One of the most controversial yet important women’s issues is the pink tax. Now, what is that? According to Good Housekeeping, “the pink tax is the extra amount that women pay for everyday products like razors, shampoo, haircuts, clothes, dry cleaning, and more. This ‘tax’ applies to items that span a woman’s entire life, from girls' toys and school uniforms to canes, braces, and adult diapers.”
Some say that the “pink tax” doesn’t exist. Others say that the pink tax can be solved by women themselves. And still others point out that products marketed to women and girls cost a significant amount more than those marketed to men and boys. This doesn’t even begin to mention the exorbitant cost and tax of feminine products like tampons and pads.
Let’s look at the facts. On average, women pay about 13% more than men for products marketed towards them. And while women tend to be more willing to spend more money on self-care products, that doesn’t necessarily mean that jacking up the prices for the same items is right.
In The Problem With The Pink Tax from NPR, Stacey Vanek Smith and Karen Duffin, two of the hosts, go to a Walgreens store in Times Square. There, they compare the prices of two razors (both the exact same!); one marketed to women, and one marketed to men. The only difference was the price: 59 cents for men, and $1.25 for women. That’s over double the cost.
Another reason why this is unfair is the pay gap. Since women have been economically proven to earn about 84% of the amount men make, how is it fair that the things marketed to them are more expensive?
While some may say it’s logical to have a sales tax on feminine hygiene products, others will point to instances where states have made tax exemptions for products which are less universally essential to life. According to Healthline, marshmallows, snow mobiles, and barbecue sunflower seeds are some of the tax-exempt items in the 36 states that put taxes on tampons and pads. The article makes a good point: if these things can be tax-exempt, why can’t menstrual products?
On the optimistic side of things, however, several brands, like the online company Boxed, and people, like Assemblywoman Jackie Speier, have been trying to make a difference. In fact, Speier introduced a bill in 2016 banning the pink tax, but it has yet to be passed.
For those of you wondering how to avoid buying things that have been pink taxed, try a strategy called “comparison shopping.” This entails comparing products marketed to women and those marketed to men, and if they’re the exact same, excluding the price, then buy the men’s version! This can work for razors, shampoo, or even clothes. Also, look for brands and stores offering pink-tax-free products.
That’s all for now! Do make sure to check out my fellow club-members’ articles on beauty standards, representation in the workplace, and catcalling. I hope you found this article interesting and informative.