ABSTRACT
A crucial feature underlying the entire gamut of social security concerns is adequacy of benefits. Traced is the historical development of principles underlying the various systems, giving rise to the three categories of protection: collective retirement pensions for former workers, administered by the Social Security or by private institutions; individual assistance for the elderly; and basic pensions intended for all residents over a certain age. The main issues in Belgium concern the family allowance program, the inequitable treatment of contributions and benefits of insured women as compared with men, and the need to protect more effectively the social security rights of women who temporarily leave the labor force to care for their children. In summing up the conference, Merriam noted that attitudes and objectives relating to the treatment of women in social security systems exhibit serious ambiguities which will make more difficult the task of these systems to adapt to changing conditions.
