This article outlines the main features of the present pension insurance scheme in the Federal Republic of Germany, the proposals of the Commission of Experts to Study the Social Security Status of Women and Survivors, the prospects for their implementation, and the essential aspects of the reform. (CT)

The author studies measures adopted in some European market economy countries with a view to improving maternity protection and enabling women workers to reconcile the dual function of maternity and economic activity without undermining equality. (Editor)

Examines major decisions in the United States, South Africa, and the European Court of Justice related to affirmative action in the workplace. Suggests explanations for differences among the conclusions reached and argues that more rigorous reasoning might enable courts to reach just and realistic decisions. (JOW)

Presents the main features needed for labor statistics to reflect the respective situations for women and men in the labor market. Identifies topics to be covered and detail needed for significant distinctions to emerge. Explains how the choice of measurement method and data presentation can influence the final result. (Author/JOW)

Data indicate that women's experience in the labor market is substantially different from men's. Women work in different sectors for fewer hours; women have lower rates of education and literacy; and women are more likely to be unemployed, underemployed, or outside the labor force. (JOW)

Reviewing measures taken by governments, employers, and workers' organizations, the author concludes that while some factors are helping to increase the number of women in nontraditional jobs, other factors such as unemployment and the institutionalization of occupational segregation are working against it. (Author/SK)

Analysis of data from 200 occupations 1970-90 shows that one-third of all workers in Finland, Norway, and Sweden would have to change occupations to eliminate gender segregation. Despite Nordic nations' commitment to equality, women often work in female-dominated or part-time occupations and typically earn less. (SK)

A summary of evidence from a study of payment structures in six industries in three local labor markets in the United Kingdom is used to show that the conditions under which labor is made available exert an influence on wages that is relatively independent of the skill, experience, and effort of the workers concerned. (Author/CT)

Examines the attitudes of the public authorities in various countries concerning child-care services for working parents and the different systems of care in operation in industrial and developing nations. (Author/CT)

An Austrian survey of discriminatory practices in the texts of all collective agreements in force in March 1978 (except those covering public employees) identified six main forms of potential discrimination. Examples found among white-collar workers in the private sector and among textile, clothing, and leather workers are cited. (CT)

Surveys of 900 manufacturers in Hungary and Bulgaria show that transition to a market economy is (1) marginalizing women, affected by segregation, layoff risk, and discrimination; (2) diminishing labor market role of older workers; and (3) increasing difficulties faced by youth seeking employment, whose skills do not match new employment needs.…

Women with disabilities have limited access to the labor market owing to the double disadvantage of being both disabled and female. The current rehabilitation system is inadequate to meet this population's needs. Further research, broader action programs, changes in vocational rehabilitation, and active measures against discrimination are needed.…

The author focuses on laws governing maximum working hours, explaining how their coverage became restricted to women and children and how organized labor showed renewed interest in universal hour laws during the Depression. She advances three hypotheses to explain how laws that once were protective became restrictive. (CT)

The author believes that protective legislation in Australia has made women second-class citizens. He argues that while the elimination of discriminatory laws may help to improve women's employment prospects, the real need is for a concerted attempt to change attitudes that deny women equal opportunities in training, appointment, and promotion.…

Analyzes the situation of women workers in Czechoslovakia in terms of working conditions, difference in earnings compared to men, and attitudes toward work. Future developments, including massive unemployment of women, are outlined. (SK)