The Rise of “Girl Math”: Just a Joke or a Dangerous Stereotype?
Introduction:
In recent months, a new trend called “Girl Math” has swept across social media platforms, particularly TikTok. This trend involves women rationalizing their spending habits in illogical ways, such as justifying purchases as being essentially free or convincing themselves that money is not real. While some find this trend amusing, others argue that it perpetuates harmful stereotypes about women’s financial irresponsibility. Additionally, this trend highlights an emerging attitude among Gen Z and young millennial women that money is an invention and can always be justified. In this article, we will explore the concept of “Girl Math,” its implications, and the underlying attitudes that contribute to its popularity.
The Logic of “Girl Math”:
According to the principles of “Girl Math,” spending less than $5 is considered virtually free. This perspective stems from the idea that the amount is so negligible that it can be ignored when considering the overall cost. Similarly, returning an item and receiving a refund is seen as making money, as the individual perceives that they have gained more than they initially spent. Furthermore, if someone paid for a vacation months in advance, they might consider it free at the time of their vacation, ignoring the fact that the money was spent earlier. Lastly, purchasing something with cash from their pocket is deemed free, disregarding the fact that the money was earned or budgeted for other purposes. While this logic may seem irrational to some, it has gained popularity among women, particularly on social media platforms.
The Origins of “Girl Math”:
The term “Girl Math” was popularized by a group of radio hosts in New Zealand during a segment where they helped a caller justify spending a significant amount of money on attending all four nights of Taylor Swift’s concert. They argued that the caller saved money by purchasing only one return flight for attending all four shows. Additionally, they justified the accommodation expense by suggesting that she could sublet her apartment during the concert nights. The hosts concluded that the overall expense was justified because attending these concerts and creating lasting memories with Taylor Swift were priceless experiences.
The Concept of Money not Being Real:
The underlying attitude reflected in “Girl Math” goes beyond simply justifying expenses; it extends to a belief that money is not real. This perspective has gained traction among Gen Z and young millennial women who have witnessed the increasing national debt and financial crises throughout their lives. They argue that money is no longer backed by tangible assets but rather by hopes and dreams. Some even question the value of pursuing a traditional economics education, claiming that the economy is an artificial construct. This skepticism toward the financial system is fueled by a general distrust of large institutions and a growing cynicism among younger generations.
Girls Math as a Coping Mechanism:
The rise of “Girl Math” can be seen as a coping mechanism shared among young adults who have faced various challenges, such as financial instability, a global pandemic, and climate concerns. With limited savings and uncertain futures, this cynicism toward traditional financial norms can be seen as a way to rationalize their financial decisions. However, it is essential to note that this trend should not be dismissed as a simple joke. It reflects a larger societal issue and serves as a warning sign of the financial struggles faced by younger generations.
The Impact on Women and Gender Stereotypes:
While “Girl Math” may be perceived as a lighthearted trend, its consequences reach beyond humor. Some critics argue that this trend infantilizes women and reinforces the stereotype that they are financially irresponsible. By presenting women’s financial decisions as illogical or dismissive of financial responsibilities, it contributes to a harmful narrative. Haley Sacks, a financial expert, argues that these stereotypes affect behavior and perpetuate the notion that women cannot be trusted with managing their money. It highlights the stark contrast between how men and women are approached and communicated about finances in the media.
Final Thoughts:
“Girl Math” may seem like an innocent and entertaining trend on the surface, but it reflects deeper issues regarding financial attitudes among younger generations. While some find it amusing, others believe it perpetuates stereotypes and hinders progress towards achieving financial equality. The emergence of “Girl Math” highlights the need for open conversations about finance, empowering women to take control of their financial lives, and breaking free from harmful stereotypes. Understanding the underlying attitudes and reasons behind this trend is crucial for promoting a healthier and more equal financial future.
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If it costs less than $5, it’s basically free. If you return an item and get a refund, you’ve made money. If you paid for a vacation months ago, it is free at the time of your vacation. And if you buy something with cash you have in your pocket, it’s free too.
That’s the bizarre logic of “Girl Math,” the latest TikTok trend that sees women rationalize their spending in illogical ways. It’s one of dozens of “girl” trends sweeping the internet, but not everyone is laughing this time – some believe the trend perpetuates the stereotype that women are irresponsible with their money. What it also seems to show is an emerging attitude, particularly among Gen Z and young millennial women, who are embracing the trend that money is an invention, so spending it can always be justified — or in other words , money is not real.
It’s “Basically Free”
The term “girl math” was popularized by a trio of New Zealand radio hosts on ZM in July Fletch, Vaughan & Hayley. In one of their segments, they helped a caller justify spending $5,600 on travel, accommodation and tickets for all four nights of the Taylor Swift Eras Tour in Sydney. The group argued that the purchase was “principally free.” The math logic for girls looks like this:
Since the caller goes to all four consecutive shows, she “saved” money by purchasing just a single return flight. Eventually, “she goes to four shows, but she doesn’t buy eight flights, she buys two flights,” said one of the hosts, comedian Hayley Sproull. “She saved $1,800 there.”
Four nights’ accommodation in Sydney is also justified if the caller can sublet her apartment for those nights. That way, she doesn’t pay for accommodation in two different places at the same time, they said. The remaining amount is eventually forfeited if the caller rewatches the videos they record at the concert 1,000 times, as these are essentially “free” concerts.
Not to mention being able to tell her kids and grandkids that she saw Taylor Swift live at the legendary, record breaking Era’s tour is pricelessthey came to the conclusion.
“My mom always tells me, ‘I saw Freddy Mercury live,'” Sproull said. “You’ll be able to say, ‘I’ve seen Taylor Swift in the flesh.'”
“To be honest I can’t believe we even bothered to justify this. It was justified,” she added.
“A Lifestyle and a Deception”
Girls math is a joke – or is it?
Although math videos for girls don’t directly convey the mentality that money is created out of thin air, the phrase “money isn’t real” pops up in many adjacent social media videos. And that’s no coincidence, as Gen Z and young millennials grew up watching the Federal Reserve effectively print trillions of dollars as the US sinks deeper and deeper into debt.
“Eventually the dollar was backed by something. It was backed by physical, tangible gold that existed, and now it’s backed by hopes and dreams,” said one TikToker in one Video.
Another TikToker said“Given that money isn’t real and the economy is just made up, can we all agree that people who go to economics college basically have a theater degree?”
The concept also seemed unsatisfactory in 1975, when economist John Kenneth Galbraith wrote in his book: Money: where it came from, where it went“The process by which banks create money is so simple it boggles the mind. When something this important is at stake, it only seems fitting to harbor a deeper secret.”
Combine that with these generations Distrust of big institutionsAnd voila, Trends like girls math are born. Their cynical, apathetic attitude toward finance isn’t surprising considering they’ve lived through financial crises, a pandemic, and in the shadow of climate scare. Girls math is less of a joke and more of a coping mechanism for twentysomethings have no savings.
As Shannon Trim, producer of the New Zealand radio show, joked in one segment: “It’s a lifestyle and a delusion.”
Financial Behavior “We Know We Shouldn’t Do It”
Math for girls is just the latest in a long line of “girl” trends this year “girl food” And “Jobs for Lazy Girls” to last year “Hot Girl Walks” And “Hot Girls Summer” and the prepandemic “VSCO girl.” The hashtag #girlmath has garnered over 45 million views on TikTok. Like its predecessors, this book is also understandable for many – and has also called the critics into action.
“‘Girls’ math’ is just the latest version of our attempt to rationalize financial behaviors we know we shouldn’t be doing,” Brad Klontz, a psychologist and financial advisor, told CNBC on Saturday.
Haley Sacks, known on social media as “MrsDowJones” and featured in Fortune’s 40 Under 40 believes this approach infantilizes women and encourages reckless spending.
“While I understand it’s meant to be funny, stereotypes like this affect behavior. It just solidifies a tired, dangerous narrative,” Sacks wrote in one Instagram post on Sunday. “Just another example of how differently men and women are approached in the media about money!”
“Men are told to invest and grow their wealth, women are told we’re stupid and can’t be trusted to secure or manage a bag,” she added. “Even if it’s meant to be funny, this message seeps into our self-image. And it’s going viral.”
Contrary to what girl math might suggest, women aren’t the only big spenders. Statistically, men are just as likely to spend money as women, according to a study Deloitte report from April. And when they do, they spend the most—almost 40% more globally and in the US
That’s partly because men can spend more. Despite a recent shift, men still own most of the money, controlling two-thirds of all US household financial wealth, according to a 2020 study McKinsey report.
Could men benefit from the carefree approach of girls’ math advocates? One Fletch, Vaughan & Hayley The viewer seemed to think so when writing about the show Facebook site“Now do some math!” I want to justify some car parts.”
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