In the southern Chinese province of Guangdong, consumers like Li Yi are encountering a financial quandary tied to color preference.
Li, among many women in China, finds herself at a crossroads when faced with notably higher prices for products marketed in pink, a phenomenon popularly termed the "pink tax."
This issue has gained widespread attention, coinciding with the much-celebrated Singles Day shopping event in the country.
The tag #PinkTax is making waves across Chinese social platforms as women voice their dissent against the disparity in pricing.
The debate focuses on the inequity in pricing solely based on gender-associated choices, especially when the price difference for identical products in different colors is stark.
The Pink Tax's Broader Reach
The "pink tax" issue extends beyond the mere preference for a particular color; it is emblematic of broader gender-based pricing discrepancies.
Chinese women have been particularly vocal about the inflated costs of menstrual products.
An online campaign recently advocated for the elimination of a 13% tax on these essential items, drawing attention to the inequality in taxing basic necessities.
Nancy Qian, an economics professor at Northwestern University, emphasizes the repercussions of this pricing disparity.
The added cost of menstrual products can significantly impact women on tight budgets, sometimes leading to the compromise of their health by resorting to historically used alternatives, ultimately resulting in health issues.
The relentless appeal for tax relief on menstrual products has faced rejection, echoing similar battles fought in other countries.
Notably, in the United States, menstrual products are exempt from taxation in several states, a move advocated by groups aiming to eradicate "period poverty."
Pushback and Social Dynamics
Opponents of the gender-based pricing strategy in China have found solidarity in the "Pink Tax Resisters Alliance" on Douban, a group that has gained substantial traction since its inception in 2020.
The group, now nearly 30,000 members strong, deliberates strategies and highlights the impact of gender-based pricing on women in the country.
The fervor against the "pink tax" emerges in a time where China's feminist movement gains strength, propelled by a substantial increase in women joining the urban workforce.
However, this evolution unfolds against the backdrop of a more traditional governmental stance, a dichotomy fueled by concerns over the nation's dwindling birth rates.
The persistent battle against the "pink tax" parallels the slower-than-expected economic recovery in China post-COVID, significantly impacting consumer behavior and financial considerations.
The Burden of Expectations
China, like many societies, holds deeply entrenched gender biases, compelling women to incur additional costs.
Sun Xin, a senior lecturer in Chinese and East Asian business at King's College London, notes the societal pressure on women regarding appearances. This often results in women perceiving products like cosmetics as necessities, compelling them to overlook price discrepancies.
Chen Haiyu, a 40-something supermarket supplier residing in the coastal city of Qingdao, expressed the compulsion to wear makeup during formal dinners, particularly in the presence of older men.
She highlighted that foregoing makeup in these situations might lead to a perception of disrespect.
Despite acknowledging the expenses and potential skin damage associated with makeup, Haiyu deemed it an indispensable requisite for such social engagements.
