‘Too emotional.’ A term widely heard by women in various stages of their lives, from school to home, now echoes through the modern workplace. It’s almost a curse word. Every female needs to make sure that she defies her nature so that she can be considered capable of earning on her own.
This single phrase captures the true essence of what the pink tax on ambition is. A tax solely based on sex, invisible to the naked eye, seeped subtly yet abundantly in professional settings.
Research points out that usually, gender stereotypes depict women as more nurturing, empathic, and emotional but less competent than men. Such perception might prevent women from being considered suitable for certain positions. And even if they are, they must work twice as hard to prove their worth.
It’s undeniable that women, by nature, are softer and calmer than men. Yet men are equally emotional. Although it differs in its essence. If women are sensitive, so are men. If a woman cries over “every little thing,” historically, most men in power went to war, all because they were too proud and angry — emotions associated with and permitted only to men, primarily because someone bruised their ego. Their decisions led to brutality that put their humanity into question.
It’s bizarre how women are penalised based on having a soft heart as if it numbs their minds, extinguishing the skills needed for them to work for the same position a man does — even when they are equally skilled.
The audacity to think of her as someone less worthy, even though she has been a proud, well-rounded, and capable handler of the never-ending chores of a home built by her very presence.
It’s even stranger that men themselves are so unjust to themselves. Consider the scenario where the woman might be more qualified than a man yet still is apparently not worthy of it. She might actually be beneficial to the workplace, yet her physiology makes her flawed.
Even if she gets the job, she will be expected to behave a certain way. Calm, nice, compromising and the ‘peace-maker,’ even when she doesn’t owe anyone her peace of mind. Hence, women are led to the likability trap. Women are expected to perform multiple roles without any complaints, but rather with relentless commitment. Almost always, they have to be perfect so that she can remain unchallenged and survive.
And here is the catch to it: even when she is nice and friendly, her character and intentions are always put into question. Especially if she gets a promotion or simply if she does her job ‘too’ well.
When “Unworthy” Work Becomes Valuable
History offers countless examples of how women were offered roles in the workplace considered insignificant or “too feminine” for men to do. These jobs were underpaid and often looked down upon. Yet, as time evolved, some of those jobs transformed into demanding and booming business opportunities.
One of the examples that stood out to me was film editing. During the early days of cinema, editing was considered a hard, repetitive and detail-orientated task, and hence women were considered the most suitable for it. However, as technology evolved, the film industry was given an opportunity to go big, and editing became the backbone of filmmaking and hence became dominated by men. With that came awards, recognition and higher pay and, most importantly, respect and awe.
This is just one example, and it doesn’t end here. If she ever does something revolutionary, something that alters the course of humanity forever, the men conveniently take over. Whether it be Rosalind Franklin or Mary Anderson, all the career paths that led to excellence are claimed by men through some apparent holy revelation, crafted by men for men.
The pink tax on ambition is beyond the monetary aspect. It’s the crippling of half the population based on their biological sex. It’s physiological, professional and deeply flawed, driven by the ideal of what order in our society means. People are conditioned to believe that women need to adjust and be the naive and warm person they are allegedly supposed to be.
Ambition is neutral. Not defined by hormones, birthplace, and skin colour. Yet order in the society is deeply rooted in control over women. Hence, ambition is accordingly reshaped, redefined, and taxed.
Perhaps our system thrives in the peculiarity of such injustice.
The constant dictation to smile more, to soften your tone, and to just ‘calm down’ at every inconvenience shows how deeply performative a woman’s existence is perceived to be.
Change seems apparent as the world grows more aware. Yet the more subtle and refined aspect still continues to dictate the expectations of a woman outside her home.