EU Gender Equality Law: Concepts, Practice, Challenges

EU gender equality law has expanded considerably in scope, evolving from its modest origins as a single provision on equal pay in the 1957 Treaty of Rome into a complex body of Treaty provisions, directives, and case law that shapes gender equality across the Member States. The pace of the legal developments can make the field challenging to navigate for practitioners, policymakers, and academics alike. EU Gender Equality Law: Concepts, Practice, Challenges provides an essential guide through this multifaceted area of law.

The book offers a comprehensive English-language analysis of this dynamic field, written by three leading scholars in equality, EU, and human rights law. Grounded in feminist legal theory and taking a law-in-context approach, the book address achievements and current limitations of the legislation, CJEU case law, and implementation at the EU and national levels. It also gives attention to the most recent directives, including in particular the Work-Life Balance and Pay Transparency Directives.

Core concepts such as sex and gender, equality, and different forms of discrimination are examined, not only within the general foundations of EU law but also in the broader context of international human rights law. The book provides in-depth discussions of equal pay; gender equality at work; pregnancy, maternity, and work-life balance; equal access to goods and services; and effective enforcement.

Throughout, EU Gender Equality Law moves beyond the current state of the law and practice, critically reflecting on the role law can play in sustaining inequality. It also takes a forward-looking perspective, exploring possibilities the law offers to address structural gender inequality and to contribute to transformative equality.