Should a pack of razors cost more just because the handles happen to be pink? I don't think so. Neither does a French women's rights group that prompted a government inquiry into the price discrepancy of so-called "feminine" products.
Goods like shampoos, deodorants, razors specifically marketed to women were consistently priced higher in a move that The Georgette Sand collective has dubbed a "woman tax.” In one case, a pack of pink disposable razors was marked at €1.80 ($2.68). The blue pack: €1.72 ($2.46).
Ironic coming from Monoprix—the store whose name literally means "single price." Monoprix stood by its pricing, claiming the differential was down to production costs, and owed the cheaper price tag to the fact that men's razors sold in greater quantities.
As further proof that there is strength in social media numbers, a petition with 30,000 signatures compelled the country's finance ministry to launch a formal investigation.
According to the group, retailers are fixing sexist prices for products that are "mostly similar, if not identical.” And the discrepancies they found weren't limited to hygiene products. Things like food, backpacks, pens, and even services like gym memberships and dry cleaning were more expensive for women.
And of course the most glaring differential: hairdressing. Once upon a time, women had long hair and men had short hair; one required substantially work than the other. Hairdressing (puns aside) isn't so cut and dry anymore.
You tell me: Are retailers justified in charging women extra for some products?
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