John William Money stands as a towering figure in the history of sexology and gender identity research, whose groundbreaking work continues to influence the field today. Born in Morrinsville, New Zealand, his journey took him to the United States, where he would leave an indelible mark on our understanding of human sexuality and gender. His establishment of the Gender Identity Clinic at Johns Hopkins University and his pioneering concept of “gender role” revolutionized the way we perceive these fundamental aspects of human life.
Money’s academic pursuits culminated in a Ph.D. from Harvard University in 1952, setting the stage for his impactful career. By 1966, he had founded the Gender Identity Clinic at Johns Hopkins University, a pivotal institution that became a hub for research and clinical practice in the burgeoning field of gender identity. At this clinic, Dr. Money initiated an extensive research program focused on the psychohormonal treatment of paraphilias and the then-nascent field of sex reassignment surgery.
It was during this era that John William Money formulated and defined the term “gender role,” a concept that has become foundational in discussions of gender across numerous disciplines. He later expanded this concept to “gender-identity/role (G-I/R),” further refining the terminology used to explore the complex interplay between identity and societal roles. His insights provided a crucial framework for understanding the distinction between biological sex and socially constructed gender.
Beyond his work on gender identity, Money also made significant contributions to our understanding of human sexuality. In 1961, he proposed a compelling hypothesis suggesting that androgen serves as the libido hormone in both sexes. This theory sparked considerable debate and further research into the hormonal influences on sexual desire and behavior.
Dr. Money’s scholarly work extended beyond clinical research into broader societal and historical contexts of sexuality. 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), delves into the 18th-century origins of antisexualism and its enduring consequences on contemporary attitudes towards sex and health. In Venuses Penuses: Sexology, Sexosophy, and Exigency Theory (1986), he presented an anthology of his most theoretically significant writings, offering a comprehensive overview of his unique perspectives on sexology.
For researchers and scholars seeking to delve deeper into the work of this influential figure, the Kinsey Institute Library houses “The John Money Collection.” This invaluable archive contains a wealth of materials spanning his entire career, including professional correspondence from 1950 to 2004, a rich collection of lectures, presentations, and audiovisual materials dating from the 1960s to 2004, and extensive articles and clippings related to sex education and research. The collection also features scientific and erotic journals, manuscripts, and materials pertaining to sex research organizations and conferences, offering an unparalleled resource for understanding the evolution of sexology and the profound contributions of John William Money.
Visit the Kinsey Institute Library Catalog to explore “The John Money Collection” online and uncover the depth and breadth of his pioneering work in the field.
