Mary Calderone

Mary Steichen Calderone (1904-1998) was an American physician and public health advocate who pioneered sex education in the United States. She served as president and co-founder of the Sex Information and Education Council of the United States (SIECUS) and medical director for Planned Parenthood Federation of America. During her tenure at Planned Parenthood from 1953 to 1964, Calderone worked to establish sex education programs and fought against the taboo of discussing sexuality in schools and public spaces. Her efforts led to significant changes in how sex education was approached in American schools, moving away from purely biological instruction toward comprehensive programs that addressed psychological and social aspects. Calderone authored several influential books, including "Release from Sexual Tensions" (1960) and "Questions and Answers about Love and Sex" (1979). She received numerous awards for her work, including the Margaret Sanger Award and the Lasker Award for her contributions to public health education. The American Library Association designated her as a National Health Champion, and her legacy continues through SIECUS, which remains active in promoting comprehensive sexuality education. Her work fundamentally changed how American society approaches sex education and reproductive health information.

Few consumer reviews exist for Mary Calderone's books since most were published before widespread online reviewing. Her works were primarily read by educators, medical professionals, and parents seeking guidance on sex education. Readers appreciated: - Clear, factual explanations of human sexuality - Age-appropriate content for different developmental stages - Medical accuracy combined with practical parenting advice - Progressive approach to discussing sexuality with children Common criticisms: - Some found the content too clinical - Religious groups objected to secular approach - Material seen as outdated by modern standards - Limited coverage of LGBTQ topics Available ratings: "Release from Sexual Tensions" (1960) - Out of print, no current online reviews - Referenced positively in academic papers "Questions and Answers about Love and Sex" (1979) - No Goodreads rating - Occasionally mentioned in sex education forums - Library holdings show consistent academic use Note: Most discussion of Calderone focuses on her advocacy work rather than her books specifically.

Release from Sexual Tensions (1960) A guide detailing approaches to understanding and managing sexual tensions, with discussion of psychological and physiological factors.

Questions and Answers about Love and Sex (1979) A reference book addressing common questions about sexuality and relationships, written in a question-and-answer format.

The Family Book about Sexuality (1981) A comprehensive resource for families covering human sexuality, development, and communication about sexual topics.

Human Sexuality and Health Care (1982) A textbook examining the intersection of sexuality and healthcare, focusing on medical professionals' role in sexual health education.

Talking with Your Child About Sex (1982) A practical guide for parents on discussing sexuality with children at different developmental stages.

The First Ten Years of SIECUS (1976) A historical account of the Sex Information and Education Council of the United States' founding and early years.

Margaret Sanger wrote about reproductive health, sex education, and birth control in the early-to-mid 1900s. Her works address many of the same themes as Calderone's regarding women's health and family planning.

Alfred Kinsey published groundbreaking research on human sexuality and sexual behavior in the 1940s and 1950s. His scientific approach to understanding human sexuality influenced later sex education advocates.

William Masters conducted clinical research on human sexual response and co-authored works on sexuality with Virginia Johnson. His medical background and focus on removing stigma from sex education parallels Calderone's approach.

Ruth Westheimer wrote extensively about sex education and sexual health starting in the 1980s. Her work continues the tradition of making sexual health information accessible to the public.

John Money published research and books about gender identity and sexual development. His academic work on sexual development and identity formation addressed topics that built upon Calderone's earlier educational efforts.