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- Salary Negotiation Post - Retraction
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- Personal Account: Danielli, Part I
- The Fashionomics of Retail Begging
- 6 Steps to Better Pay
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- End the Superwoman Syndrome
- Rx for a Bloated Budget
- Create Other Income Streams
- Stop Wasting Time on Things That Will Never Make You Money
- The High Cost of Part-Time Work (+ working mom poll)
- Your (New & Improved?) Credit Card
- Prep for More Pay
- On Becoming a Financial Grown-up
- Challenge: Wear Just Six Things
- Personal Account: Gabrielle's Reflection on Worth
- Smash Student Loan Debt
The (Female) Cost of Living
By MP Dunleavey Wednesday December 16, 2009
It sounds almost silly: A survey of drug store goods, in the January issue of Consumer Reports, found that items aimed at women tend to cost more—sometimes 50% or 60% more.
What's disturbing is how pervasive and financially poisonous the so-called gender price bias is—especially when you consider that, on average, women earn about 23% less than men with comparable credentials.
Some other examples:
It almost sounds like a conspiracy. Women are generally paid less, yet from moisturizer to mortgages, our cost of living is significantly higher.
Why? Because we can't add? Because corporate America knows that women can be financially manipulated more easily than men?
You Tell Us: What are ways that you're being overcharged, why do you think women pay a premium for basics, how can we take back our money and use it to enrich our lives and our futures? Leave a comment below.
With thanks to Consumer Reports.
Get more details in MP Dunleavey's MSN Money column today on the same topic.
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Written by Elizabeth Kuehnen, December 16, 2009
This is infuriating... I first noticed it at the dry cleaners when my husband's shirt costs one half the price of mine to clean!
Written by M, December 16, 2009
I don't know why that is-- but it is an outrage! We are already expected by society to have more clothes, spend more on our hair, makeup and appearance. Charging us an extra premium for comparable products is unjustified.
Written by samantha, December 16, 2009
Women are overcharge for day to day things such as haircuts, dry cleaning and beauty products. I know women who have short cuts and go to a barber just so they are not paying a "women's tax" as we call it to some hairdresser. I started going to a school for my hair cuts & colors (they bring in professionals to train in their technique) and stopped dry cleaning. I refuse to pay more because I don't have a penis.
Written by MJ, December 16, 2009
We are conditioned so early on to be "nice". It's almost gaggy, really. "Sugar and spice, and everything nice.. that's what little girls are made of." There was a study done years ago, where a group of people was handed a baby dressed head-to-toe in pink. The group passed the baby around, and kooed and gurgled. The same baby was then dressed head-to-toe in blue and passed around the same group. Only this time they were more "aggressive" with the baby. Shadow-boxing and making other more masculine gestures. The net take-away is that we are expected to be "sweet" and therefore treated as such, from the get-go. And given that type of ingrained conditioning, how are we ever going to "argue" a mortgage rate, a car loan, or a haircut cost?
Written by Erin, December 16, 2009
I don't know... there's really two ways to look at it. Do they charge us more? Or do we just spend more? If we pay more for our mortgages... are you sure it's not just because we choose more expensive houses? Does a woman require more in depth or expensive health care treatment, therefore making it more expensive? Don't get me wrong, I know it very well could be that we're charged more for the same items, but it just makes me wonder...
Written by Jacqueline, December 16, 2009
My boyfriend was at the drugstore yesterday to buy some toys for Toys for Tots at his office. He was completely surprised when he looked at the prices and saw that girls toys were almost twice as expensive as the toys the store offered for boys. I guess it starts early!
Written by Irene , December 16, 2009
That is really disgusting! I am going to wear men's deodorant from now on! (seriously, we should boycott women's overpriced products!)
Written by KK, December 16, 2009
Why -- because overwhelmingly, and in reality, it is the men who continue to write the rules, set the pay scales, detrmine pricing and merchandising strategies, etc. And, if more women -- and policymakers and journalists -- knew of this ongoing inequity built into the system there may just be less of it. I say, call GMA, Prah, Suze Orman, and the Today Show and let them start getting the word out.
Written by Christine, December 16, 2009
Mortgages & insurance make sense to me. Traditionally, a woman is going to place a lot of value in a home - for hosting, for raising a family, for a sense of physical security - whether that means women buy more expensive homes, or we just find less reason to haggle down the price, I don't know. Insurance - well, isn't is proven that women go to the doctor more than men? Because of or despite this fact, we also tend to have more things requiring medical attention (and let's not forget the expense of pregnancy).
Written by Amanda, December 16, 2009
I stopped in so I could say, "It's because we're too nice, we're pushovers, and we want everyone happy without causing a fuss." But MJ beat me to it! It's sad really.
Written by DeniceI, December 16, 2009
About 1 1/2 years ago, my husband was sick and I decided it would be a good time to purchase tires for my car. Well after 1 1/2 year I realize that all 4 tires need to be replaced and immediately when I got home my husband said I should have waited until he could go with me, because guess what "THEY OVER CHARGED ME" , and when we realized the tires really weren't good the warranty had already ran out (imagine that) They got me really good.
If you don't have a man to drag along with you for mechanical work on your car or replacement tires etc. take your brother, father, uncle or male friend, I guarantee you'll get a better deal.
If you don't have a man to drag along with you for mechanical work on your car or replacement tires etc. take your brother, father, uncle or male friend, I guarantee you'll get a better deal.
Written by Anandi, December 16, 2009
It's absolutely ridiculous, especially since we do most of the shopping & spending (groceries, clothes, childcare, etc.). Yes, women have more health risks in that they can get pregnant (we should have more maternity leave). Mortgages should in no way cost more for women. We need more female leaders and changes in the system to help women become more financially independent and charged a fair rate.
Written by Kimmy, December 16, 2009
Duh- of course our health insurance is going to cost more. Last time I checked, men can't get pregnant and have babies (which can cost over $300K from start to finish). Of all the ways for this article to focus on as a way of communicating your point, that made me doubt your credibility.
Written by Kay, December 16, 2009
Alterations. Men's dress stores include tailoring for custom-fit suit. How much is it to alter a woman's dress? Depends on the dress but I know that to add 4 hooks and 2 buttons to my wedding dress I was charged $75!
Which also bring to mind the price difference between buying a Wedding dress vs. tuxedo rental- GAG!
I have noticed though that there is a trend that "metrosex male" products (fancier facewash, hair products, etc.) that have recently starting showing up more and more for men are on the same price scale as comparable women's products. I don't know if that's a step forward or a step back!
Which also bring to mind the price difference between buying a Wedding dress vs. tuxedo rental- GAG!
I have noticed though that there is a trend that "metrosex male" products (fancier facewash, hair products, etc.) that have recently starting showing up more and more for men are on the same price scale as comparable women's products. I don't know if that's a step forward or a step back!
Written by Lorena, December 16, 2009
THe issue here is not where or how are we charged more, but what can we do to stop it and bring the prices and everything else to the same level as men.
Written by Fernanda, December 16, 2009
It is unjust, but you have to think of it from their side.
For beauty products, grocery store products, and more it makes sense, from a marketing/pricing strategy, to charge more for those products they know we will pay more for. After all, they're "luxury products" and not necessities that we "choose" to purchase.
In regards to mortgages and other financial services women are not as "dependable" as men. The fact that any day we can get pregnant is a threat to financial institutions, since our jobs could be threated by it.
Again, I don't agree but I understand.
For beauty products, grocery store products, and more it makes sense, from a marketing/pricing strategy, to charge more for those products they know we will pay more for. After all, they're "luxury products" and not necessities that we "choose" to purchase.
In regards to mortgages and other financial services women are not as "dependable" as men. The fact that any day we can get pregnant is a threat to financial institutions, since our jobs could be threated by it.
Again, I don't agree but I understand.
Written by Jeannene Langford, December 16, 2009
Healthcare is one place that women are charged more than men consistently. Why? Because they can get away with it. women don't have representation as a homogeneous group. It is not to anyone else's benefit to stop the disparity.
Written by Jasmine, December 16, 2009
I've always scouted for cheaper products, and often buy store brands or men's products because they generally cost less per 100mL, but I was eager to share MP Dunleavey's article with my husband so he could join me in my outrage. I was very annoyed when he answered simply, "Meh. Women are willing to pay more." I thought about it, and unfortunately it's often true. Before I got wise about hair products, how many times did I rationalize that a more costly shampoo was somehow better for my hair?
Written by Kate G., December 16, 2009
I understand the reasons, but that doesn't make the practice equitable.
As long as I pay the price and keep mum about the difference I will continue to be charged more. Finding the inequity and say no to it when I can is what I plan to do. When I can't effect a change, I'll take my hard-earned dollars elsewhere and publicize the businesses I do use.
Thanks for keeping the debate going here at Daily Worth. I look forward to future postings on this subject.
As long as I pay the price and keep mum about the difference I will continue to be charged more. Finding the inequity and say no to it when I can is what I plan to do. When I can't effect a change, I'll take my hard-earned dollars elsewhere and publicize the businesses I do use.
Thanks for keeping the debate going here at Daily Worth. I look forward to future postings on this subject.
Written by kathryn, December 16, 2009
It does help when you think about how much you can save when you make an effort to think about what you already have on hand or what you can make yourself. You can clean just about anything with vinegar & water. You can live on beans and rice for a couple days a week. You don't need expensive creams & no, they don't work better than store brands, no matter how much advertising goes into them. I even make my own toothpaste. People have made due with less, and were richer in so many ways for it. Get creative! That's how to fight back.
Written by Mikelann Valterra, December 16, 2009
This is a super complex issue- there are societal reasons-- meaning outright discrimination- and there are internal reasons. Meaning women have a hand in this too. For example, women negotiate eight times less often then men do. We can all learn to negotiate and play our part, but it's true that part of this is truly discrimination. The bottom line is that people charge us more because they can. They charge more and we pay it. The reasons that they can are where this gets so complex it's like Alice falling down a rabbit hole....
Written by MP Dunleavey, December 16, 2009
@Erin: we're talking women paying higher interest rates for the SAME loan.
@Jasmine, I agree--we are willing to pay more (I confess having done so in my MSN Money column today). But maybe we shouldn't be! I have a friend with a fancy job and a mansion--and she buys ONLY the most basic products. kinda love that.
@Fernanda, I know where you got the idea that we are less dependable because we might get pregnant? That thinking governed the world back in the 1960s, when women routinely quit their jobs (as my mom did) when they were expecting. If you have data that I've misse, please send it to me: This e-mail address is being protected from spambots. You need JavaScript enabled to view it We have to cover all angles.
@Jasmine, I agree--we are willing to pay more (I confess having done so in my MSN Money column today). But maybe we shouldn't be! I have a friend with a fancy job and a mansion--and she buys ONLY the most basic products. kinda love that.
@Fernanda, I know where you got the idea that we are less dependable because we might get pregnant? That thinking governed the world back in the 1960s, when women routinely quit their jobs (as my mom did) when they were expecting. If you have data that I've misse, please send it to me: This e-mail address is being protected from spambots. You need JavaScript enabled to view it We have to cover all angles.
Written by Monica, December 16, 2009
In addition to our stuff costing more, we need (or expected to utilize) more products and items than men do: bras, pantyhose, a more varied wardrobe, makeup, etc. So, it's a triple whammy - less pay, more necessities, higher prices for those necessities. Unfortunately, on the pricing side, I think it's b/c we're willing to pay it. But how do I live without new shoes?
Written by dale coykendall, December 16, 2009
more information to add to my rage today.. i should check my blood pressure but then if I need medicine it would be twice as much as my husband's ! oh I forgot Congress is going to take care of it ...
Written by broke college student, December 16, 2009
I know this makes me so mad.. A hair cut in my city cost $55 not including tip. Also to dye cost up to $125, when the product itself cost about 4 dollars is service that great that woman need to pay this much for looking their best. Lastly bras, makeup, and clothes cost more because women are judged by woman and very harshly by men!!
Written by branka, December 16, 2009
i always try to find a bright side of things, so here it is ladies: we are more beautiful than men, more resilient than most men, we have the possiblity of bearing children (men don't) and i tend to think that deodorant for women smells better. :) have a GREAT day!
Written by Fin, December 16, 2009
It's unfair that health insurance costs more for women. Especially women who have no desire to ever become pregnant. What the? I also buy men's deodorant and razors. Way cheaper than the flowery pink crap marketed to women. Overcharging and underpaying women seems like a plan to make us dependent on men. Sucks.
Written by Katie, December 16, 2009
Just because I'm built to get pregnant I should pay more for health insurance? That certainly doesn't seem fair, but it would seem that "fair" doesn't really play into this particular topic. Also, what about all the "personal" extras we women who *aren't* pregnant have to purchase? Tampons, pads, Pamprin, Midol, extra Advil, panty liners . . . ugh! Those expenses have always annoyed me; that stuff should come free from somewhere! :o)
Written by Laura, December 16, 2009
I agree with Kathryn, we can learn to make do with less, and rethink what we consider 'necessities'. When my husband does the shopping he doesn't come back with a lot of fancy products; his goal is to get what's on the list for the lowest price. Perhaps some women are swayed by pretty feminine packaging, etc, but by changing our way of buying, we could avoid falling into the trap set by marketers.
As for loans, mortgages and cars, these seem to be areas of discrimination that are taking a long time to evolve.
As for loans, mortgages and cars, these seem to be areas of discrimination that are taking a long time to evolve.
Written by Anna, December 16, 2009
I didn't know it was so pervasive (dry cleaning and mortgages?!), but I always sort of thought that it was because it's assumed that women "like to shop" more than men - if men think it's too expensive, they just won't buy it, they have no qualms about walking out of a store empty-handed - while women will buy it anyway because they get pleasure from shopping/purchasing.
As far as haircuts, cosmetics, and clothes, I think the stereotype is that women are more concerned about their appearance, so they are willing to pay more to maintain it.
The question is, even if we can't change those stereotypes, how do we challenge the pricing discrepancy? How do we let Schick know that we're not shelling out for their pink razors?
As far as haircuts, cosmetics, and clothes, I think the stereotype is that women are more concerned about their appearance, so they are willing to pay more to maintain it.
The question is, even if we can't change those stereotypes, how do we challenge the pricing discrepancy? How do we let Schick know that we're not shelling out for their pink razors?
Written by katie m, December 16, 2009
Anna mentioned pink razors. I usually buy the green ones for my husband, and then share. I don't care what color they are so long as they work. I also don't wear much makeup, so I save there. But so many other things that women need to have for hygenic reasons, that men just don't have to deal with. Who can we strike against?
Written by Cheryl, December 16, 2009
Shoes, haircuts, women's healthcare services that are not covered by insurance, we probably pay more for cars...
Written by Victoria Klein, December 17, 2009
This story is nothing short of pathetic. I mean, come on, we still can't get over a gender bias!? Despite the facts, I must say that I am not surprised, which is sad.
I've been noticeably overcharged & even treated differently when my husband is & isn't around. The most notable difference in cost is our insurance. My husband's monthly cost is roughly $50 for medical, dental, and vision; mine is over $150.
When it comes to insurance, I've read that women tend to be more proactive about visiting doctors on a regular basis to stay healthy, which in turn costs the insurance company more, so they charge more for womens' coverage. Nice excuse, but still twisted.
I've been noticeably overcharged & even treated differently when my husband is & isn't around. The most notable difference in cost is our insurance. My husband's monthly cost is roughly $50 for medical, dental, and vision; mine is over $150.
When it comes to insurance, I've read that women tend to be more proactive about visiting doctors on a regular basis to stay healthy, which in turn costs the insurance company more, so they charge more for womens' coverage. Nice excuse, but still twisted.
Written by Kathryn, December 17, 2009
Our company-subsidized health insurance costs the same regardless of gender, but the portion we contribute varies depending on SALARY. If my male colleagues are earning more, then they're also paying more for their health care.
I avoid being overcharged for cosmetics by NOT WEARING ANY. Have pride in your natural beauty and show yourself for who you really are, while simultaneously telling the cosmetics industry to stick it. They're a bunch of money-grubbing leaches preying on our self-esteem.
For hair, when it's trimmed (which is pretty rare) my daughter does it for me, or a hair dresser friend who charges me a minimal fee. I don't use hairspray or other "product" besides shampoo and conditioner.
Clothing is the biggest noticeable problem for me. I could buy my girl children the same clothes for less in the boys' sections of department stores.
I avoid being overcharged for cosmetics by NOT WEARING ANY. Have pride in your natural beauty and show yourself for who you really are, while simultaneously telling the cosmetics industry to stick it. They're a bunch of money-grubbing leaches preying on our self-esteem.
For hair, when it's trimmed (which is pretty rare) my daughter does it for me, or a hair dresser friend who charges me a minimal fee. I don't use hairspray or other "product" besides shampoo and conditioner.
Clothing is the biggest noticeable problem for me. I could buy my girl children the same clothes for less in the boys' sections of department stores.
Written by Amy, December 18, 2009
Support the home made revolution! This gets around those nasty companies. I love the tutorials I find on this website. I've learned to sew, crochet, reuse, find cheap recipes...
It's an awesome community. Learn thrift and self reliance! My user name is Retro_Rose if you have any Q's for where to start. :o)
It's an awesome community. Learn thrift and self reliance! My user name is Retro_Rose if you have any Q's for where to start. :o)
Written by Jenn, December 24, 2009
While some of it is discrimination, quite a bit of it is socialization, pure and simple. Women are taught that we need or deserve certain things and that certain things = security (house, car, lots of clothes, etc).
It is nice to think that we could all do away with all the things we are taught we need. But I see it going in the other direction much more and see men being socialized to want/need more stuff- face wash, fancy cologne, designer clothes, etc.
It is nice to think that we could all do away with all the things we are taught we need. But I see it going in the other direction much more and see men being socialized to want/need more stuff- face wash, fancy cologne, designer clothes, etc.
Written by Caroline, December 28, 2009
I do think that women are more willing to pay more for the products that we purchase. I know that I use facial lotion and my husband does not.
The dry cleaning is ridiculous (as are many other pricing disparities) but healthcare and mortgages make sense. For one thing these companies have literally terabytes worth of data on how much individuals (men and women) cost. It relates to age, race, location, employment, education, you name it and it is factored into determining the cost or insuring a person or loaning them money. The fact is that women of child bearing age will cost more to insure (health) regardless of whether they want children of not. Perhaps the cost would go down if the woman chose to have her tubes tied or another form of permanent birth control. But if there's a chance she can get pregnant then thats a risk that the insurance co has to assume and therefor calculate into their cost analysis. As for mortgages, the amounts of data are the same, and the calculation is similar risks vs. payoff. Simply, if you don't like the interest rate shop around, don't accept the offer.
We can do nothing to make a change if we continue to pay the higher prices, taking stands (no matter how small) are the only way to make things change. Companies are, after all, going to make money any way they can and it doesn't matter if their CEO is male or female.
The dry cleaning is ridiculous (as are many other pricing disparities) but healthcare and mortgages make sense. For one thing these companies have literally terabytes worth of data on how much individuals (men and women) cost. It relates to age, race, location, employment, education, you name it and it is factored into determining the cost or insuring a person or loaning them money. The fact is that women of child bearing age will cost more to insure (health) regardless of whether they want children of not. Perhaps the cost would go down if the woman chose to have her tubes tied or another form of permanent birth control. But if there's a chance she can get pregnant then thats a risk that the insurance co has to assume and therefor calculate into their cost analysis. As for mortgages, the amounts of data are the same, and the calculation is similar risks vs. payoff. Simply, if you don't like the interest rate shop around, don't accept the offer.
We can do nothing to make a change if we continue to pay the higher prices, taking stands (no matter how small) are the only way to make things change. Companies are, after all, going to make money any way they can and it doesn't matter if their CEO is male or female.
Written by m, January 07, 2010
I asked the lady at the dry cleaners why men paid less than women. Response,because women's blouses are hand pressed and men's shirts are machine pressed. Why? Women's blouses are tailored more towards a women's body and would wrinkle in the machine. Well can't I take that risk for half the price? I got the impression it wasn't an option.
Written by darren, January 18, 2010
Ok I have been frustrated by this a lot. Something EVERY WOMAN SHOULD KNOW. I stopped taking the pill (seasonal) & got upset buying tampons & pads every month, it created so much waste & I was spending so much. It surely felt like a woman tax. I looked into it more & found alternatives & shocking info.
Did you know that regular products have chemicals in them that make you bleed more and are often bleached to be more white? And, as a health educator, I can tell you for CERTAIN there is NO need to put bleach that close to your crotch. I would urge/suggest using organic tampons where the cotton is free of toxins or reusable items like lunapads or the diva cup.
You can:
cut down on cost
cut down on waste
be nicer to your body
be nicer to the environment
A Win Win for all!
www.lunapads.com
They have reusable washable pads, and the Diva cup. Diva cup is a soft cup made out of silicone which is boil-able and sanitize-able which is better than the keeper a similar product made of rubber.
http://www.natracare.com/health_and_environment/your_health_and_environment2.htm
This site has the most comprehensive list of terms and materials. you can also find Natra Care stuff at Whole Foods.
http://www.maximhy.com/slideshow/
Did you know that regular products have chemicals in them that make you bleed more and are often bleached to be more white? And, as a health educator, I can tell you for CERTAIN there is NO need to put bleach that close to your crotch. I would urge/suggest using organic tampons where the cotton is free of toxins or reusable items like lunapads or the diva cup.
You can:
cut down on cost
cut down on waste
be nicer to your body
be nicer to the environment
A Win Win for all!
www.lunapads.com
They have reusable washable pads, and the Diva cup. Diva cup is a soft cup made out of silicone which is boil-able and sanitize-able which is better than the keeper a similar product made of rubber.
http://www.natracare.com/health_and_environment/your_health_and_environment2.htm
This site has the most comprehensive list of terms and materials. you can also find Natra Care stuff at Whole Foods.
http://www.maximhy.com/slideshow/
Written by julie ann bailey, May 04, 2010
I am 44 years old.I do not have-and cannot have-children.I am slender,do not smoke or drink,etc., etc.So why should anything cost more for me? Especially than for my husband who is overweight and has asthma?
