John Money was born on July 8th, 1921

Written by: Aisha Patel

John Money: The Pioneering Sexologist and Psychologist

John Money, a renowned New Zealand-American psychologist, sexologist, and professor, is widely recognized for his groundbreaking research on human sexual behavior and gender identity. As a pioneer in the field, Money is credited with coining the terms "gender role" and "sexual orientation", and his work has had a profound impact on our understanding of human sexuality.

Early Life and Education

Born on July 8, 1921, in Morrinsville, New Zealand, Money hails from a Christian fundamentalist family of English and Welsh descent. He attended Hutt Valley High School and later pursued his studies in psychology. His fascination with human behavior and sexuality led him to dedicate his life to understanding the complexities of human relationships.

Theories and Research

Money's most notable contribution is his theory that gender identity is malleable within the first two years of life. This ideology led him to advocate for the surgical normalization of the genitalia of intersex infants. He also pioneered the use of drug treatment for sex offenders to extinguish their sex drives.

Money's work extended beyond sexual identity to include the concept of "gender role", which he defined as the social and cultural expectations associated with a person's gender. He also introduced the term "sexual orientation", which encompasses an individual's emotional, romantic, or sexual attraction to others.

Career Highlights and Controversies

Money's prolific career spanned over six decades, during which he authored over 2,000 articles, books, chapters, and reviews. He was a professor at Johns Hopkins University and established the Johns Hopkins Gender Identity Clinic in 1965. His work earned him around 65 honors, awards, and degrees.

However, Money's research and methods have been subject to scrutiny and criticism, particularly in regard to the involuntary sex reassignment of the child David Reimer. The controversy surrounding his work has led to widespread debate and criticism, tarnishing his legacy in the eyes of many.

Legacy and Impact

Despite the controversies, Money's work has had a significant impact on our understanding of human sexuality and gender identity. His research has been translated into many languages and continues to influence the fields of psychology, sexology, and gender studies.

Love him or loathe him, John Money's contributions to the field of sexology and gender studies are undeniable. His work has sparked conversations, ignited debates, and paved the way for future research and discovery.

Personal Milestones and Key Life Events

• 1921: Born on July 8 in Morrinsville, New Zealand
• 1965: Established the Johns Hopkins Gender Identity Clinic
• 1990s: Research and methods came under scrutiny and criticism
• 2006: Passed away on July 7 at the age of 84

Philosophical Contributions and Beliefs

Money's beliefs and contributions have been shaped by his Christian fundamentalist upbringing and his fascination with human behavior. He believed that sex roles should be destereotyped, allowing masculine women to live freely without the need for transition.

However, his views on transgender people, particularly his concept of "ide fixe", have been widely criticized and rejected by the transgender community.

Comparative Analysis with Contemporaries

Money's work can be compared to that of his contemporaries, such as Alfred Kinsey and Harry Benjamin, who also made significant contributions to the field of sexology and gender studies. While their work shares similarities, Money's research and theories have been more contentious and widely debated.