The general aim of this paper is to explore the development of European Union regulation of sex equality in social protection. 'Social protection' encompasses both social security and social assistance or welfare. It refers to the whole field of policy which ensures, either through private or public provision, at the very least that the basic needs of people (food, housing) required by human dignity are met. The social protection systems of Western democracies such as the member states of the EU aim to guarantee rather more protection especially against the risks entailed in withdrawal from the labour market. The paper's main focus of enquiry is Directive 79/7/EEC (the Directive), which provides for equality in state social security schemes. Related policy measures, in particular Article 119 EC and Directive 86/378/EEC (as amended), which regulate sex equality in occupational social security, will also be relevant in building up a picture of the development of the EU's sex equality measures in the whole field of social protection, whether publicly or privately provided
