John Money

John Money (1921-2006) was a New Zealand-born psychologist and sexologist who spent most of his career at Johns Hopkins University. He is known for establishing several foundational concepts in gender identity studies, including introducing the terms "gender role" and "gender identity" into scientific discourse. Money developed influential theories about the development of gender and sexual identity, arguing that these were primarily shaped by social learning rather than biological factors. His work focused on intersex conditions and gender reassignment, and he established one of the first clinics in the United States to perform gender reassignment surgery. His most controversial case involved David Reimer, a male infant who was reassigned as female following a circumcision accident. Money initially reported this case as successful evidence for his theories about gender plasticity, but later investigations revealed significant problems with his methodology and conclusions, leading to widespread criticism of his work. Money published extensively throughout his career, writing books such as "Sexual Signatures" and "Gay, Straight and In-Between." His theoretical contributions continue to influence debates about gender development, though his methods and conclusions remain subjects of ongoing discussion in the scientific community.

Reader reviews of John Money's work and legacy are overwhelmingly negative, focusing on ethical concerns rather than his academic contributions. Online discussions frequently mention the David Reimer case, with readers expressing anger over Money's conduct and questioning his research integrity. Common criticisms from readers: - Falsified research findings - Unethical treatment of research subjects - Failed to acknowledge errors when evidence contradicted his theories - Caused direct harm to patients through experimental treatments His books receive very low ratings on Goodreads and Amazon when available, though many are out of print. "Man & Woman, Boy & Girl" has a 2.1/5 rating on Goodreads, with multiple reviewers calling it "dangerous" and "pseudoscience." Few positive reviews exist. The rare favorable comments note his early contributions to gender terminology and intersex research, but these are usually followed by caveats about his methods. Professional reviews and academic citations tend to use his work as a cautionary example of research ethics violations rather than for its scientific merit.

Sexual Signatures: On Being a Man or a Woman (1975) Explores the development of gender identity and sexual behavior through case studies and research findings.

Love and Love Sickness: The Science of Sex, Gender Difference, and Pair-Bonding (1980) Examines the biological and psychological aspects of human bonding and sexual relationships.

The Destroying Angel: Sex, Fitness & Food in the Legacy of Degeneracy Theory (1985) Analyzes historical theories about heredity, sexuality, and human development.

Gay, Straight, and In-Between: The Sexology of Erotic Orientation (1988) Documents various sexual orientations and their development through clinical observations.

Venuses Penuses: Sexology, Sexosophy, and Exigency Theory (1986) Presents theories about sexual development and gender identity formation.

The Adam Principle: Genes, Genitals, Hormones & Gender (1993) Discusses biological factors in gender development and sexual differentiation.

Principles of Developmental Sexology (1997) Outlines core concepts in sexual development from infancy through adulthood.

Sin, Science, and the Sex Police (1998) Examines the intersection of moral judgments and scientific research in sexology.

Robert Sapolsky writes about neuroendocrinology, behavior, and the biological basis of human social dynamics. His research examines the intersection of biology and behavior, with focus areas similar to Money's work on gender and sexual development.

Milton Diamond researches sexual development, gender identity, and intersex conditions. He directly challenged some of Money's theories through his follow-up studies and alternative frameworks for understanding psychosexual development.

Anne Fausto-Sterling studies gender development, sexuality, and the role of biology in human identity formation. Her work examines intersex conditions and critiques traditional binary models of sex and gender.

Simon LeVay investigates the biology of sexual orientation and the neuroscience of gender. His research explores the biological foundations of human sexuality and sexual identity development.

Judith Butler analyzes gender identity, sexuality, and power structures in society. Her work examines how gender and sexuality are constructed through social and cultural processes.