‘Pink tax’ explained as some men are only just realising the ‘hidden cost’ of being a woman

We all live in a patriarchal society.

Whether you're living in the United Kingdom, the United States, Europe or any other part of the world - it's simply a sad and unavoidable fact.

And, while certain nations are more progressive when it comes to women's rights - specifically regarding the right to vote, the right to education, the right to own property and control one's finances, and to make decisions about one's own body and health, including access to reproductive care. It's clear that even the most 'equal' of societies, women are still forking out thousands for what has been dubbed the 'pink tax'.

But what exactly is the 'pink tax', as some men are only just realising the ‘hidden cost’ of being a woman?

What is the ‘pink tax’?

The 'discriminative cost of being a woman' extends far beyond just the gender pay gap, which allegedly sees men earn 35 per cent more than women per year, as women are expected to fork out fortunes on beauty maintenance costs like nail and hair appointments, as, frustratingly, a woman's appearance is often viewed as some sort of social currency.

That's where the pink tax comes into play.

It essentially refers to the higher prices women often pay for products marketed specifically to them, despite being similar to men’s products. This price disparity is most visible in personal care products like soaps, razors and deodorants.

The pink tax is most visble when it comes to personal care products (Firn / Getty Images)

What effect does the ‘pink tax’ have on women?

Well, research from The Co-operative Bank revealed that, across seven commonly purchased toiletry products, women paid nearly 40% extra for their lower-cost essentials on average.

Such a disparity in gender-based pricing, coupled with the gender pay gap, along with unpaid child and elderly care, which often falls on the woman in heterosexual relationships as well means that women spend a larger proportion of their income on essentials - 64% compared to the 53% of their male counterparts. Let's not forget also paying hundreds for safety measures like taxis in a male violence epidemic when their male counterparts may not feel the same pressure to do so.

Because the pink tax disproportionately burdens women by making products and services marketed to them more expensive than those for men, it can hinder their financial stability and long-term wealth accumulation.

The 'pink tax' has created an economic burden on women around the world - especially since women continue to earn less than men (Wirestock / Getty Images)

What are some examples of the ‘pink tax’?

The inequity of gender-based pricing is best illustrated by the cost of shower gel.

You can typically expect to pay an average of £1.04 for a basic men’s shower gel, according to the bank, whereas the fruiter-scented women’s shower gels would set you back around £5.49, reflecting a 428% price difference.

It's a similar sitch with shampoo too, as women’s shampoo generally costs £15.22 on average, compared to £6.11 for men’s shampoo, which is a stark difference of 149%.

Additionally, a US study of 800 gender-specific products found that women’s personal care items cost 13% more on average, with clothing and accessories also priced higher. Another US study also found that women face significantly higher dry-cleaning costs, with dress shirts costing up to 90% more than men’s.

Meanwhile, over in the UK, an analysis found that women’s deodorant was 8.9% more expensive, and facial moisturisers were 34.28% pricier.

Some VERY frustrating 'pink tax' examples (The Co-operative Bank)

What about period products?

Stupidly, period products have historically been categorised as luxury, non-essential items, despite their necessity to those who use them.

The tampon tax, a VAT on these products, only intensifies gender inequality with a 2015 study finding that the average woman spends over £18,000 on period-related products over her lifetime, meaning this tax has a significant financial impact.

As of 2021, the UK has abolished such a tax to make products more accessible with Scotland going one step further by introducing the Period Product Act, which requires local authorities and education providers to supply free and easily accessible period products to those who require them.