There are several benefits to being a woman, like being able to play the mechanically dumb card and avoiding some physical labor, and blaming our emotional outbursts on “that time of the month”.
But along with these advantages, being a woman also has some drawbacks, one of which is the higher financial cost of being a woman.
Here are two ways women get the short end of the stick when it comes to cost of living:
Same Goods and Services, Higher Price
We’ve heard time and time again that women have to pay more for things they buy, like razors, jeans, and haircuts, but what you may not know is that women also have to pay a premium on many services too. For example, the cost of dry cleaning and pressing button-down shirts with a feminine cut is at least $2 more than a man’s cut as most locations.
But, why are we paying a premium for these products? According to Consumer Reports in 2010, the higher cost of women’s good is due to the different formulations and packaging required for women’s products.
The worst part is at the end of the day, men’s and women’s deodorant and razors function the same way, but women had to pay much more for their products.
Same Work, Lower Pay
Not only are women being charged more for essentially the same products, but often they are also earning less pay than their male counterparts. Although the glass ceiling has supposedly been broken, the reality is that many women are still only earning about 76.5% of what men are earning in full-time careers.
Essentially by charging women more for the same products and services, and paying them less than their male counterparts, women are being short changed on both ends.
What to do About it?
Luckily, women have a couple viable options to try and combat this problem. We can ask for a salary increase. If you decide to go this route, be prepared to offer up specific examples of your work ethic and why you deserve a raise. Don’t be petty or bring up what co-workers are making if you know this information. Instead be gracious and courteous in your request.
On the other end of the situation, manufacturers need to be aware that women are dissatisfied with paying more for their products, especially when it is essentially the same as the male version but with pink packaging. Spreading the word about this situation is a good start.
In the meantime, try and avoid paying this “woman’s tax” as often as possible. If the products are the same and it makes no difference, buy the cheaper version, even if it doesn’t have the pretty pink packaging. The less money we put back into these product schemes, the less of them companies will be able to continue funding.
Do you think it costs more to be a woman? What do you think can be done about it?
Image via Flickr by Dan Zen
I have actually been hearing about this on tv lately where I would agree something should be done. I believe in being equal if it be for work, products etc. There is no reason a woman should have to pay more for their products because of packaging and if they can do the same work as a man, they should get the same pay for doing so. Having 4 girls, I need to watch out for them as well
I agree it costs more to be a woman. It’s so unfair that women get less money than men for doing the same work
James – I’m so glad to hear from a man that you agree! I hope you can raise your girls to be empowered women 🙂
Elena – It is so unfair and old-fashioned. It’s something that needs to change for sure!
I’m fortunate in that I work in an industry for a company that has a standard pay scale. We all start out at the same wage when we hire in for my particular position. And we all get the same raises each year.
Wendy – that is pretty lucky! Lots of private sector companies just say “pay based on experience”, but don’t have a standard scale. This leaves room for bias behavior and characteristics, like gender, to affect pay rates.
I also agree that woman have more costly expenses, things should be equal on all ends. This is a great post to spread the word, just that makes a difference.
I’m glad you agree Nicole. We do need to spread the word about this!
Women being paid less than men for the same work is simply an outrage, and it’s compounded by the fact we’re expected to maintain a higher standard of beauty and hygiene using products that are overpriced for women as well. I’ve been on disability for over a decade due to bipolar disorder, and I’ve had to RADICALLY slash my budget, particularly for anything remotely related to vanity. I do my own nails, hair color and facials using the cheapest and/or most natural products I can find. I don’t look any worse, and my face is actually less red now that I’m not applying any harsh chemicals.
Women are definitely overworked and underpaid. When I became disabled, I had to RADICALLY cut back on beauty expenditures, but the irony is that I think I look better for not using harsh chemicals and learning to take better care of myself.
Lynn – It is an outrage. It takes us more $$ to be “professional” looking and yet we are paid less. So frustrating!
I agree with the cost of being a woman being higher. If you go to have your car worked on, a woman will more often pay more than a man because a lot of garages assume you know nothing about a car and will fix things that don’t need fixed.
Good point Madonna! I had thought of that, but just didn’t include it this time. It’s unfortunate that these things occur all the time 🙁