Female representation among notable people born in 1700–2000

Highlights

• We study female representation among notable people using Wikipedia.

• We analyze 1.5 million entries for people born in 1700–2000 in 30 countries.

• Female representation has improved but remains below male representation.

• Female representation is higher in entertainment and lower in sports.

• Female representation has increased across countries but at different paces.

Abstract

Using Wikipedia personal entries, we analyze female representation among notable people born in 1700–2000 in thirty countries that currently account for 75% of the world population. Female representation has improved over the last three hundred years but is far from reaching parity with men. In terms of years of birth, female representation was stagnant at 7% in 1700–1810, increased at modest rates in 1810–1935 to reach 14%, and grew faster in 1925–2000 to attain 30%. Female representation differs across sectors of notability. It is higher in entertainment and lower in sports. Growth in the relative importance of entertainment has favored female representation, while growth in sports has disfavored it. Analyses by country show gains in female representation are generalized, although at different paces.