Observatoire Franais des Conjonctures Economiques Centre de recherche en conomie Sciences Po Womens precarity and poverty in France and in Europe Franoise Milewski Economist OFCE, French Economic Observatory, Economic Research Center of Sciences Po, Paris, France PRESAGE, Research and Academic Program on Gender Thinking, Sciences Po, Paris, France Social Work and Social Development 2012: Action and Impact Stockholm, 8-12 July 2012 2 The precarity of women was long hidden from view. But the economic and social changes, now make it essential to consider this issue. Precarity has two faces: instability, career breaks, the fragility and difficulty of labour market integration and reintegration, are essential for defining precarity in a conventional sense. But it is also crucial to consider stability in underemployment, particularly part-time work, which is much more frequent for women than for men. 3 1.The characteristics of jobs held by women 1.1. Unstable jobs 1.2. and stable underemployment 2. The effects of the economic crisis 2.1. Unemployment rates: women and men 2.2. Strengthening of precarious employment 2.3. Lasting effects of the crisis 3. Income inequality 3.1. Wage inequality 3.2. Pensions 4. Changing family structures 5. Public policies: compensation, at best 4 Inequalities between the sexes are not like other inequalities: they are linked to a number of factors, which fall within the private and occupational spheres, current institutional arrangements, social welfare systems, representations and stereotypes. This analysis has important consequences for public policies intended to combat inequality and ensure greater social justice.