Photo: weheartit
How crazy is this?!
By Christine Schoenwald — Written on Jan 25, 2016
Although it's getting smaller, there's still a wage gap, with women earning 21 percent less than men. And to make matters even worse, women pay more for the female versions of most products. Apparently, if something is manufactured in pink or any other girly color, it may cost more than the regular product.
The New York City Department of Consumer Affairs (DCA) conducted a study of gender pricing with nearly 800 products, 90 brands of which were sold at two dozen New York City retailers (online and in-store) with clear male and female versions.
They found that on average, women's products cost seven percent more than similar products for men.
The DCA found the cost for female versions of these products were significantly higher:
- Toys and accessories were seven percent more expensive.
- Children's clothing were four percent more expensive.
- Adult clothing was eight percent more expensive.
- Personal care products were 13 percent more expensive.
- Home health products for seniors were eight percent more expensive.
These are huge differences! It's gender inequality and discrimination, and we as consumers just seem to accept that it's OK to pay 48 percent for more goods like shampoo, conditioner and shaving gel.
Photos: New York City Department of Consumer Affairs
Ravi Dhar, director of the Center for Customer Insights at the Yale School of Management, suggests that how we view women's products in the first place may help explain why gender markups continue.
"Many men's products are not seen as men's products," he said. "They might just be seen as products in the category."
This would make the pink or lavender version a specialty product. His and hers items likely come from retailers clinging onto gender stereotypes, but our need for goods that are made especially for us have helped to keep this distinction alive.
"People see a greater fit between the product and their tastes, and may be willing to pay more," Dhar said.
When shopping, try to buy the regular or standard version when you can. Not only will you save money, but it might send a message to retailers that charging more for a female version for something isn't fair.