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Expectations and Attitudes Toward Gender-Based Price Discrimination

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Abstract

This study explores consumer expectations and attitudes related to gender-based price discrimination. Although much research has focused on pay inequalities and gender diversity, considerably less attention has been focused on situations in which men and women are charged different prices based on gender. In two studies, expectations and attitudes toward gender-based price discrimination are examined. In Study 1, two scenarios related to prices at hair salon and dry cleaning services were manipulated to measure expectations and attitudes toward gender-based price discrimination. We found that the nature of the service results in expectations of price differences between men and women. We also found men expect gender-based pricing more than women. In Study 2, qualitative research was conducted to reveal the cognitions that men and women experience when exposed to gender-based price discrimination.

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Acknowledgments

We appreciate the assistance of Jennifer Sawayda for assisting in the collecting of the data as well as research and editing in the development of the manuscript.

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Correspondence to O. C. Ferrell.

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Ferrell, O.C., Kapelianis, D., Ferrell, L. et al. Expectations and Attitudes Toward Gender-Based Price Discrimination. J Bus Ethics 152, 1015–1032 (2018). https://doi.org/10.1007/s10551-016-3300-x

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  • DOI: https://doi.org/10.1007/s10551-016-3300-x

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