What is Pink Tax? Impact on Women, Regulations, Pros & Cons

What is Pink Tax? Ever wondered why men pay less for their haircuts while women go for hair trimming and pay at least 30% more? Do you know that girlchild’s toys and clothes are way more expensive than boychild’s? There is no particular reason or explanation for this gender-based cost gap for extremely normal products. The New York City Department of Consumer Affairs discussed unreasonable price discrimination in 2015. Now, women are enlightened more than ever before, and they are questioning. Learn more about the What is Pink Tax? and its impact on women in the following sections of this article.

Pink Tax Overview

Women are already paid 17% less than what men are paid for the same job. Now, when they are charged more for receiving the same services at higher prices, the rage is obvious. Companies change the colour to pink and expect women to be enticed by a similar product. They levy higher rates for the equivalent item with an excuse of variety and colour combinations. Several Countries investigated the strange unofficial tariff charged on females by the self-care and health brands, and the results were astounding. The United Kingdom discovered that even girls’ school uniforms cost 12% more than boys’ school uniforms.

History of Pink Tax

The researchers claim that females have been paying extra charges to corporations since the 1990s and even before that. In research at the University of Bamberg, Germany, it was found that the same products were digitally advertised at 5% higher rates to female consumers. Countries like Germany, Italy and Argentina etc. discovered that male counterparts paid 37% less for the same cosmetics, apparel and playthings.

As unbelievable as it may seem, this discrepancy has been ignored for a long time, but females are becoming more aware now. They reject being the victim of this gender-based pricing. A few countries like Argentina and the United States of America initiated to take action against the Pink Tax but the results were not very promising. The Pink Tax Repeal Act of 2021 is still under consideration by lawmakers in the US.

Impact of the Gender-Based Price Discrepancy

Considering, females are already paid less than their male counterparts it is highly unethical to persuade them into paying extra for basic resources. Companies argue that female products cost more labour and offer a wider range. However, mark that female product packaging is even smaller as compared to men, making it obvious that packaging charges cannot be the reason for the higher pricing. This might trigger gender-based poverty in days to come.

Women around the globe are already suffering from period poverty by paying menstrual products taxes; considered luxury items. Feminists and reformers are fighting for equality in all aspects including the cost of being a female consumer. Individually Females are starting social media campaigns when they are charged more compared to their male counterparts. This is the beginning of a new movement and a revolutionary step toward the liberation of women from the dominantly prevalent discrimination resulting from misogyny, patriarchy and prejudices.

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Pink Tax in India

In India, we notice charges for salon services and products are way more expensive for females. Even razors, shaving creams and deodorants are priced higher for women. Indian women suffer a pay gap of almost 19% to their male counterparts, which is somewhat a different yet relative issue. How can we say that women are equal members of the democratic society if they have to pay extra for basic necessities and receive rather less salary? When men pay lesser prices for perfume, apparel and self-care services at the salons without any adequate reason.

Today, only 23% of Indians are aware of this gender-based price difference implied on women. People need to be more conscious of their rights and face the odd truths. Like the other countries, India should also investigate the matters of the Pink Tax and lead 50% of the national population towards equality.

Conclusion

The most important point to admit here is that females are required to live up to the standards of society. The world expects women to be more presentable and attractive, knowing they are paid less and have to buy basic items at higher rates. This makes the life of a female a lot worse than how it has already been. Talking about the pros and cons of the Pink Tax, companies make a hefty amount by selling the exact same products to women. Meanwhile, women are burdened by another one of patriarchal baggage. Think for yourself, whether the Pink Tax can be avoided or not.

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