Pink Tax: What Is the Pink Tax?

Source- New York Department of Consumer Affairs

The invisible cost of products that women are required to pay for things made and marketed exclusively for them is referred to as the pink tax. According to a survey, women's items are 7% more expensive than men's products.

In other words, the term "pink tax" refers to the hidden cost that women must pay for things that are specifically made and marketed for them, while the generic or male equivalents are available for less. This phenomenon is not unique to New York or the first world countries. Women in India, too, pay a pink tax on a variety of products and services targeted toward them.

The pink tax is a result of the norms of certain conventional gender norms in order to fit in with society's expectations. Gender socialisation is the phrase used in this situation to describe how people should learn to act according to their gender. Humans differ biologically, physically, psychologically, and in terms of personality. 

Because they are different, they are taught to act differently as a result of this gender socialisation. As a result of this gender socialisation, numerous stereotypes are formed in society, which influences how people are treated.

How Does the Pink Tax Affect You?

Women work longer hours and are paid less is what the International Labour Organization (ILO) believes. In the workplace, there is already a gender split, with only a small percentage of women in top positions across industries.

According to the international organisation, the gender gap exists in every country on the planet, and it has only shrunk a little in the last decade. On the one hand, we do not adequately compensate women for their efforts, and on the other hand, we charge women more for nearly identical things than males. 

In India, the wage disparity between men and women is 19 per cent on average across all industries, and it is even worse in agriculture, where women perform 80 per cent of the work.

Whether in global corporations or politics, there is an urgent need for women to get to the top and speak up against issues that discriminate against them. Women must be identified and trained to be the country's future flag bearers. Women's participation would eventually lead to a level playing field for both men and women.

Source- ListenMoneyMatters.com

Imposing high prices on products aimed at women exacerbates the gender barrier by reinforcing a specific idea and standard of attractiveness. 

People's mental health can be harmed by non-compliance with such aesthetic standards, leaving them more sensitive to social anxiety, sadness, and loneliness. 

Furthermore, the gender split is exacerbated by the identification of colours with genders. The idea of identifying pink with girls and blue with boys not only restricts gender choices and conforms them to social views, but also marginalises alternative genders.

Another strategy to avoid the pink tax is to avoid products that are packaged in dazzling tones of pink and instead opt for generic alternatives. 

While many individuals are still unaware of the existence of pink tax, major organisations must develop measures to raise awareness about the practices that are draining our bank accounts.

Tampon Tax vs. Pink Tax

Another surcharge that affects women is the tampon tax, which is sometimes mistaken for the pink tax. The tampon tax is a sales tax that is applied to pads, tampons, liners, and other feminine hygiene items. 

While the pink tax refers to a variety of women's products that are more expensive than comparable men's products—and is not actually a tax—the pink tax refers to a variety of women's products that are more expensive than comparable men's products.

As of 2021, 27 states charge sales tax on these items, which are considered essential for women. The amount of sales tax varies from state to state and is determined by each state's tax code.

Written By- Megha Jain