Experts suggest Black women use male or gender-neutral products as a strategy to avoid the pink tax and combat price discrimination.
The pink tax continues to be a pressing issue for women, particularly Black women who face compounded challenges due to gender and racial pay gaps. This price discrimination, where products and services aimed at women cost more than those for men, affects various items from personal care products to clothing.
To combat the pink tax, Black women can adopt several strategies. Opting for men’s versions of certain products, like razors and deodorants, can be more cost-effective. Some online companies, particularly in the razor industry, have managed to offer gender-neutral pricing, according to a January report by Rocket Money. Comparing prices across businesses and choosing generic versions over name brands can also yield savings. It’s crucial to scrutinize product quantities and ingredients, as women’s products may contain less for the same price. Advocating for equal pricing is also an important strategy to combat the pink tax. As experts suggest, “…if you’re getting your clothes professionally cleaned and you notice a difference in the price…ask if you can be charged the rate for men’s clothes.”
Anyone dissatisfied with current policies can contact their elected representatives to voice their concerns about the pink tax.
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Source: Black Enterprise
