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)

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)

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)

In the first of three articles in this issue on special protective legislation for women workers, the author explains that the Nordic countries are generally opposed to protection on the basis of sex. Reviewing work environment and equal opportunity legislation, the arguments for and against special protection are presented. (SK)

Women's difficult working conditions are due to factors such as the nature and form of women's employment, their reproductive role, and family responsibilities. The relative importance of these factors must be assessed in order to redress inequalities. (SK)

The author reviews the social benefits and costs to South Asian women of technological advancement. Some women have experienced improved work environments due to technology, but the poorest women have either lost their jobs and not been trained to use the new technology, or their work has not been affected by it. (CH)