In analyzing the gender distribution in museum directorships, I think
it's important to bear in mind that museum directors received their
degree(s) an average of N years ago, at which time the ratio of female
to male graduates from relevant programs could have been significantly
different than it is now.

In order to determine if there is a current bias in hiring at that level
(and if so to what degree), the average number of years since graduation
would have to be determined, and an adjustment would have to be made for
the female-to-male graduation ratio that existed at that time.

Another adjustment factor to consider would be the relative number of
female vs. male graduates who remained in the museum field during that
time interval.

I suspect that there are a number of other factors that should be taken
into account before arriving at any conclusions regarding bias in
hiring.

I don't happen to have any relevant data on this specific subject, so I
haven't formed an opinion yet, but it would be an interesting topic for
some further research.

Alan Bowes