International audienceFeminization of French higher education is increasing: the field of sociology/demography illustrates this evolution, since in 2012, 44% of researchers/lecturers in sociology/demography are women, whereas the rate was of only 24% in 1984. However, this increasing feminization hides the persistence of a glass ceiling. This article shows its existence and tries to explain it. The careers of researchers/lecturers are therefore analyzed step by step (qualification, access to the body of senior lecturers, possibly qualification as a professor, possibly access to that body) thanks to individual data regarding the 1984-2013 period. If access to the body of senior lecturers does not seem (or no longer seems) unfavorable to wome...