A logistic regression was conducted using data from France's Permanent Demographic Survey (EDP) to identify social and demographic factors involved in the passage of persons initially employed as laborers and lower level employees to higher status jobs, unemployment, or full-time housewife status. The EDP is a large scale longitudinal survey in which the same individuals are repeatedly interviewed. The surveys in 1968, 1975, 1982, and 1990 allowed three 7 or 8 year intercensal periods to be studied. The proportion of laborers and lower level employees who rose to higher status jobs increased from 9% during 1968-75 and 10% during 1975-82 to 14% during 1982-90. The trend to upward occupational mobility was directly related to rising educational levels. The risk of unemployment tripled over the course of the study. More than 1 woman in 5 left her job to become a housewife during 1968-75, but only 1 in 8 did so during 1982-90. Professional advancement in general is occurring at later ages. Cohorts born during World War II have advanced at younger ages than those born earlier or later. Women advanced to higher employment status 2 times less frequently than men, and their risk of unemployment was nearly double that of men. Their rate of advancement improved slightly over time, but their risk of unemployment did not. Individuals moving from one department to another had better chances of advancement.