Suchergebnisse

At least two notions of sexual equality are ap plicable to E U pension schemes. This article summarizes the pattern of E U pension pro vision, as it currently exists, highlighting recent and possible future developments and the reasons for these. It then describes and evaluates the two notions of pensions equality. One, the equal treatment approach, is derived from EC equality law; the other, compensa tory approach, originates from within E U pen sion schemes themselves. The equal treatment approach is shown to have serious limitations, not least its restriction to paid workers and its propensity to result in 'levelling-down'. However, it has clearly been influential in se curing abolition of pension rules discrimi nating against married women. The compensatory approach is reflected in three types of benefit rules which break the link be tween pension entitlement and full-time, con tinuous, higher-paid work shown to be a feature of many EU schemes. The advantage of this approach is its potential for maximizing the welfare of people, especially unpaid women carers, when they reach old age. Building on the strengths of both approaches, a third notion of equality is developed. The prospects for implementing such a notion are discussed in the light of current and possible future trends in E U pension reform.

The European Community Directiveon equal treatment in social security was adopted by the Council of Ministers in December 1978. This article focuses on three related issues: first, the objectives and characteristics of the Directive and whether these have been modified or clarified over time; secondly, the involvement of women in the adoption and application of the Directive and, conversely, the role of the Directive in mobilising women and encouraging their participation in Community affairs; and thirdly, the value of the Directive to women, in particular the extent to which it has furthered their group interests.