An increased interest in the position of women, stimulated by increasing numbers of women in the labor force as well as the women's movement, has resulted in a reexamination of women's status under social security programs in many countries. Five case studies (Belgium, Federal Republic of Germany, France, Great Britain, and United States), which were presented at a 1972 Vienna research conference on women and social security, sponsored by the International Social Security Association, have reflected a range of approaches, points of view, and corrective measures directed to this issue. Interest and concern has focused on women's equal treatment/nondiscrimination along with the adequacy of protections for women by the system as a whole. Aspects of benefit levels, family allowances, maternity insurance, old-age pensions, and survivors benefits are presented as well as the situations of widows, divorced women, and unmarried or deserted mothers. It is anticipated that further research and policy development will emerge as a result of this study. (EA)