Currently the United States federal government does not have any regulations regarding the pink tax, however numerous bills have been introduced. In order to create change surrounding this inequality, it is necessary for the federal government to pass legislation that prohibits discrimination in pricing on the basis of sex.
Click to check out the propossed
"Pink Tax Repeal Act" Bill!
Currently, politicians are blocking this type of legislation from being passed because they believe it brings in more revenue for companies. While this is true, it is solely because of unethical mark-ups on female oriented products. The equal marketing of these products would extend to include services offered to both men and women as well as feminine hygiene products. With this in place, companies could be held accountable on the national level and adhere to this change.
On a state level, some regulations have been passed, though not enough to create a real change regarding the pink tax. In 2020, New York began to enforce a ban on the pink tax, making it illegal to increase prices on products that are similar, but marketed to different genders.
To enforce such laws, states must have each company register with the state and sign contracts, adhering to pricing restrictions and regulations regarding genders in which they are marketed to. In order to fully eliminate the tax, it is important that each state adopts and enforces a policy like this to prevent companies from profiting off of inequalities based on gender.
Action
Gender
Neutral
While the issue of the pink tax may feel like a large problem, it can still be addressed on an individual level.
Check out Billie, a female owned brand committed to combating the Pink Tax with their equitable pricing on womens health products.
As a consumer, try to spot these inconsistencies of pricing on products and even purchase gender neutral options. though a small move, you would be taking away from the company's net profit and therefore, halting the continuation of the pink tax phenomenon.
Another way you can stop the pink tax is by calling out brands. If you notice brands upcharging women’s products, but having cheaper versions for men, try to contact the company or post about it on social media. The more awareness consumers have regarding the pink tax helps put a stop to it.
