The Pink Tax: The Roots of Economic Discrimination Against Women
https://doi.org/10.25205/2542-0429-2026-26-1-61-74
Abstract
The so-called “pink tax” in the market for goods and services, as well as in women’s wages, is regarded as a social injustice. The ongoing fight against companies’ use of gender-based price discrimination strategies has so far been unsuccessful in many countries, confirming the relevance of countering this phenomenon and conducting research into its historical and economic underpinnings. The aim of this study is to substantiate the lack of historical roots for the “pink tax” using the clothing market, the most mass-market consumer product, as an example, and its connection to price discrimination. The following methods were used: comparison, analysis and synthesis, generalization, and updating. The article traces how the ratio of gender segments has changed in the American history of clothing and in the Russian history of clothing for different social classes in terms of price. A conclusion is drawn about the convergence of the women’s and men’s clothing markets in terms of growth dynamics, sales channels, and product quality, which indicates a reduction in the basis for the “pink tax.” However, the legislative elimination of gender injustice requires the joint efforts of society and the state.
About the Author
L. K. Subrakova
Khakassian State University named after N. F. Katanov
Russian Federation
Russian Federation
Ludmila K. Subrakova, Candidate of Science (Economics), Associate Professor, Department of Economics and Business
Abakan
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Review
For citations:
Subrakova L.K. The Pink Tax: The Roots of Economic Discrimination Against Women. World of Economics and Management. 2026;26(1):61-74. (In Russ.) https://doi.org/10.25205/2542-0429-2026-26-1-61-74
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