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East German women accounted for 49% of the workforce and occupied a large variety of jobs under communist rule. Women were encouraged to have children and return to full-time employment by the excellent provision of child care facilities. This approach encouraged labour productivity. Since German reunification in 1990 East German women have been hit with high unemployment rates, male dominance and poor child care facilities. Many women have chosen not to have children even if it means unemployment. The government needs to establish a policy to deal with female unemployment.

The article discusses the impact of the current economic crisis on gender relations in EU member states. Based on data showing the development of employment, unemployment and gender specific developments it comes to the conclusion that the crisis and accompanying economic policies will not lead to more gender equality in the labour market and in society. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

The 26 MHz band is currently allocated for international broadcasting by means of the ionospheric propagation. However, sky waves are strongly dependent on the ionosphere conditions and signal reception is not always possible. As a consequence, this HF frequency range is scarcely utilized and an optimization of its use is required. The DRM (Digital Radio Mondiale) standard provides enough robustness to enable reliable audio reception taking advantage of the ground wave propagation at these frequencies. According to this, local coverage is viable in this part of the spectrum, as proved the field trials and studies carried out in the last years. Nevertheless, it is still necessary to establish the general guidelines for the set up and consolidation of the corresponding digital networks. Thus, the planning factors and procedures for digital local broadcasting services in the 26 MHz band are defined in this paper, along with reference parameter values and recommended system configurations for this new application. [ABSTRACT FROM PUBLISHER]

The article discusses the social differentiation and polarization of groups in the former East Germany (DDR) and specifically the potential effects of gender relation upheaval on the labor market and social policy. The economic independence of DDR women is said to be under contemporary threat owing to post-unification job losses.

Comparative studies of women's labour market position usually focus on patterns of gender segregation, considered to be the foundation of gender discrimination. Few studies trace the link between gender segregation and gender pay differences in a comparative context, and even fewer seek to identify links between payment structures and practices and the extent and form of gender pay inequality. Yet although the degree and form of gender segregation clearly vary between countries, there is even more likelihood that differences in pay structures and practices will result in differences in gender outcomes. This study explores the gender pay implications of payment structures and payment systems in three European countries, the UK, Italy and Germany. Payment systems are found to be embedded within country-specific employment systems and result in different levels and forms of gender pay equality. They also present different obstacles to the closure of the gender earnings gap. Moreover, the trends within the general wage determination system rather than specific gender pay equity policies are found to have most impact on women's relative pay position. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]