Why can girls things cost more than boys things?
One of our inquisitive listeners, Isabella, noticed when she was shopping online that womens clothing was more expensive than mens clothing  and she thought that was unfair. Turns out, it happens a lot. The same or really similar items, from school supplies to sports equipment, often cost more when theyre designed to look like they were made for girls. People have taken to calling this phenomenon the pink tax.  This week, well learn more about why it happens and whats being done about it. Well also ask some random kids a not-so-random question, and Bridget will introduce us to her new smart speaker  which has oddly great taste in music. Leigh Luna/Marketplace  And now  tips for grown-ups listening to Million Bazillion with kids  Money Talks  Take a minute to recap the episode and review the key points. (Scroll to the bottom or click here for the answers!) Tip Jar  Our friend Isabella spotted a pattern and asked about it. Like her, some researchers and lawmakers have also been looking into why toys and clothes and haircuts for girls often cost more than the same things for boys. Gathering proof and data led the state of New York to pass rules against the pink tax, and it got some companies to change their pricing. Research: Its the secret weapon against tyranny! as Jed put it. Try saying Alexa, make me smart to any Echo device. Gimme Five  Tell us a story! Click here to tell us about it. Money talks answers  Sidekick Answers will vary, but along the lines of: Its the extra money charged for things that are specifically designed for girls and women, even when theyre often the same or very similar to those that are designed for boys and men. Its called pink tax because a lot of things designed for girls and women are pink. Price discrimination Attacking Pink Taxes With My Pink Axes  (Click here to return to the questions!)