Girl math? Sounds sexist to me! I am told it is a new descriptive phenomenon inundating TikTok and other social media.
Here’s how a TikTok user explained girl math:
- You’re losing money if you don’t purchase something when it’s on sale.
- You’re losing money if you don’t spend enough to qualify for free shipping.
- You’re making money whenever you skip your daily coffee or soda run.
- Anything in your Venmo or Apple wallet that isn’t immediately spent is free money.[i]
According to one article, there are three economic principles to most girl math:
Cost-Per-Wear
Definition: the cost of an item divided by how often it is used. The lower the cost-per-wear, the thriftier the purchase.
Girl math example: A tote bag takes the place of multiple bags – a carry-on, a beach bag, a work bag, etc. Divide the price of the tote by the number of bags it replaces and/or the number of times you will use it.
Sunk Cost
Definition: Money that’s been spent and cannot be recovered. Basically: if it’s left in my account, I’ve spent it.
Girl math example: I buy a $58 top. If I return it, whatever I buy with that $58 is free.
Prospective Cost
Definition: Future costs that may be avoided if action is taken now.
Girl math example: If a coat I want is 65% off during the summer, buying it means I avoid the future cost of waiting until the winter, when it’ll be back to full price.[ii]
Some of the girl math strategies for justifying large or unnecessary purchases are just plain silly, but fun. On the other hand, I bet you can almost see the logic in some. However, the wide distribution of girl math examples makes me concerned. (If you have time, search using “girl math” and enjoy!)
Perceptions of Women and Math
Despite the advances that women have made in careers in science, technology, engineering, and math (STEM), girl math seems to perpetuate the idea that women aren’t as good as men in math or are not capable of making sound buying decisions. “The myth of the math brain is one of the most self-destructive ideas in American education – research shows no innate cognitive biological differences between men and women in math.”[iii] However, by third grade, many girls lose confidence in math.
What can we do to make sure that girls, as well as boys, have confidence in their math skills and that they are exposed to the many career options in which math is an integral part? Some ideas follow:
- Make sure that we do not gender stereotype. Girls can be engineers and boys can be nurses. When my older sisters chose their careers, women were primarily funneled into teaching, nursing, retail, or secretarial positions. Thankfully, by the time I was born, I had many more options. I chose economics because of my love of math but I also wanted to apply my math skills to life situations. I ended up in the world of investments and financial planning.
- Make sure that our workplaces are accepting of women and minorities. My first job out of college was with a major construction equipment manufacturer. Much to my amazement and chagrin, my first formal performance review in the engine division revealed that my supervisor did not think women should be working outside the home. That was one of the major reasons I did not stay with that employer much longer.
- Provide examples of good role models. Better yet, be the role model! Show your children, especially your girls, how you keep track of expenses and balance your personal accounts. When you shop, talk to them about the choices you make and the reasons behind them. Involve the entire family in planning for a vacation. Have the older kids research a particular expense, present it to the family, and then discuss the combination of choices that will allow you to stay within a budget.
- Be a lifelong learner so as not to promote math anxiety. When I tried to help with homework, I found that my grandchildren are learning math concepts differently than I did. For example, they are taught to solve a division problem using steps new to me. I read up on it, not only to help them if needed, but to understand the newer method myself. Volunteer in your child’s school to be active in their learning environment.
There are so many wonderful programs and resources for teaching sound mathematical skills. I encourage you to search your area for programs. My grandchildren loved Junior Achievement and I enjoyed volunteering there. I also volunteered to facilitate a program jointly offered by the YWCA and a non-profit called MoneyW!se. That program was for women who wanted to learn basic financial skills. I have also been a volunteer at a local non-profit called Fresh Start which assists women reentering the work force. If you want to learn, the resources are available.
One reason I wrote my book, How to Dress a Naked Portfolio: A Tailored Introduction to Investing for Women, was the difference I noted in both understanding and interest between most of my men and women clients. Financial literacy resources are expanding every day, and I am thrilled that my book is part of that effort.
Finally, so that I am not accused of being sexist, there is also boy math. Boy math doesn’t mock men for spending habits, like girl math. It mocks some exaggerations by men. An example is men being concerned about women gold-diggers when they only have 3 pairs of socks to their name. Bet you can come up with some others!
Beverly J Bowers, CFP®
