The authors discuss the results of a survey of women aged 25 to 50 living in a university town in southern France (Montpellier). Morbidity of these women (reported health problems, consultation with health care professionals etc) was analysed as a function of whether or not they were employed out of the home. Overall, differences were minimal; after correction for demographic factors, the only significant difference was more frequent reports of fatigue, overwork or nervousness in the employed women. Satisfaction with life situations was more closely correlated with health than was employment per Se. A great similarity was seen between, on the one hand, employed women satisfied with their occupational conditions and housewives who did not report boredom, and on the other hand, between employed women dissatisfied with their occupational conditions and housewives who reported boredom.