Conor Ryan, Thesis Supervisor Nima Haghpanah, Thesis Honors Advisor Bee Yan Roberts, Faculty Reader
Keywords:
pink tax gender equality price discrimination expenditure data regression analysis public policy consumer behavior personal care products
Abstract:
This thesis aims to explore the existence of a pink tax, or an upcharge on products and services marketed toward women, through an economic lens. An extensive review of existing policies and empirical research is supplemented by a discussion of price discrimination, which is the basis for any form of a pink tax. Using survey data from the U.S. Bureau of Labor Statistics, regression analysis reveals that women spend $17.51 more than men on personal care goods, $33.48 more on salon services, $33.78 more on apparel, and $1,846 more on total expenditures. Application of concepts described throughout the paper, however, provides explanations beyond a discriminatory financial burden on women. Overall, this paper encourages a more thorough examination of the pink tax, so policies can eliminate the root problems that pressure women into spending more on a daily basis.
