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Female Representation in the Academic Finance Profession

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  • MILA GETMANSKY SHERMAN
  • HEATHER E. TOOKES

Abstract

We present new data on female representation in the academic finance profession. In our sample of finance faculty at top‐100 U.S. business schools during 2009 to 2017, only 16.0% are women. The gender imbalance manifests in several ways. First, after controlling for research productivity, women hold positions at lower ranked institutions and are less likely to be full professors. Results also suggest that they are paid less. Second, women publish fewer papers. This gender gap exists in research quantity, not quality. Third, women have more female coauthors, suggesting smaller publication networks. Time‐series data suggest shrinking gender gaps in recent years.

Suggested Citation

  • Mila Getmansky Sherman & Heather E. Tookes, 2022. "Female Representation in the Academic Finance Profession," Journal of Finance, American Finance Association, vol. 77(1), pages 317-365, February.
    • Handle: RePEc:bla:jfinan:v:77:y:2022:i:1:p:317-365
    DOI: 10.1111/jofi.13094
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    3. Brooks, Chris & Schopohl, Lisa & Tao, Ran & Walker, James & Zhu, Millie, 2025. "The female finance penalty: Why are women less successful in academic finance than related fields?," Research Policy, Elsevier, vol. 54(4).
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    5. Yihui Lan & Kenneth W Clements & Zong Ken Chai, 2022. "Australian PhDs in Economics and Finance: Professional Activities, Productivity and Prospects," Economics Discussion / Working Papers 22-04, The University of Western Australia, Department of Economics.
    6. Chengguang Li & Jungsoo Ahn & Juan Bu & Klaus E. Meyer, 2023. "The value of publishing in JIBS," Journal of International Business Studies, Palgrave Macmillan;Academy of International Business, vol. 54(9), pages 1688-1699, December.
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    8. Johannesen, Niels & Muchardt, Simon, 2024. "Is the Bar Higher for Female Scholars? Evidence from Career Steps in Economics," CEPR Discussion Papers 18892, Centre for Economic Policy Research.
    9. Datta, Deepa D. & Tzur-Ilan, Nitzan, 2025. "Gender Gaps in the Federal Reserve System," Journal of Economic Behavior & Organization, Elsevier, vol. 235(C).
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