John William Money, a name synonymous with groundbreaking research in sexology and gender identity, was born in Morrinsville, New Zealand. His journey in academia led him to the United States in 1947, where he pursued higher education and earned his Ph.D. from the prestigious Harvard University in 1952. Dr. Money’s career was marked by his innovative thinking and his dedication to exploring the complexities of human sexuality and gender.
A pivotal moment in his career came in 1966 when he founded the Gender Identity Clinic at Johns Hopkins University. This clinic became a pioneering institution under his leadership, facilitating extensive research into critical areas such as the psychohormonal treatment of paraphilias and sex reassignment procedures. Dr. Money’s contributions extended beyond clinical practice; he is credited with formulating and defining the term “gender role,” which he later expanded to the more comprehensive “gender-identity/role” (G-I/R). His forward-thinking also led him to propose in 1961 the influential hypothesis that androgen serves as the libido hormone for both sexes, a concept that spurred further investigation in the field.
Dr. Money’s scholarly work was not confined to the clinic. He delved into historical and cultural contexts, as evidenced in his book The Destroying Angel: Sex, Fitness, and Food in the Legacy of Degeneracy Theory, Graham Crackers, Kellogg’s Corn Flakes, and American Health History (1985). This work explored the 18th-century origins and enduring impacts of antisexualism. Another significant publication, Venuses Penuses: Sexology, Sexosophy, and Exigency Theory (1986), is an anthology showcasing his most theoretically important writings, providing valuable insights into his evolving perspectives on sexology. His extensive publications also cover the philosophy and methodology of science within clinical psychoendocrinology and sexology, including notable works such as Unspeakable Monsters in All Our Lives: The Complete Interviewer and Clinical Biographer and Exigency Theory and Sexology.
Delve into the John Money Collection at the Kinsey Institute
For researchers and scholars interested in exploring the depth and breadth of John William Money’s work, the Kinsey Institute Library houses the comprehensive John Money Collection. This invaluable archive offers a rich array of materials, including:
- Professional Correspondence (1950-2004): A vast collection of letters and communications that provide insight into his professional network and intellectual exchanges.
- Lectures, Presentations, and Audiovisual Materials (1960s-2004): Recordings and transcripts of his lectures and presentations, offering a direct understanding of his ideas and their evolution over time.
- Articles and Clippings (1973-2000): Thousands of reprints and pamphlets covering a wide spectrum of topics in sex education and research, reflecting the breadth of his interests and the field’s development.
- Scientific Journals and Erotic Magazines (1940s-2000): A collection that illustrates the diverse publications relevant to his research, from academic journals to cultural periodicals.
- Manuscripts and Publications (complete holdings): A comprehensive compilation of his published and unpublished writings.
- Scientific, erotic and pornographic journals and magazines (1949-1985): Further materials showcasing the range of sources he consulted and the cultural context of his research.
- Conference programs and papers, photo albums, and information, and materials relating to sex research organizations and conferences: Resources that document the broader scientific community and the development of sex research as a field.
Researchers are encouraged to Visit the Kinsey Institute Library Catalog to explore the John Money Collection online and uncover the extensive contributions of John William Money to the understanding of human sexuality and gender identity. His legacy continues to influence contemporary research and discussions in these crucial fields.
