Alfred kinsey
From ArticleWorld
Dr. Alfred Charles Kinsey, a researcher in the fields of etymology and zoology, in 1947 broadened his own research and made history when he opened the Indiana University Bloomington Institute for Research in Sex, Gender and Reproduction. Over time, the institute developed and evolved into what is known today as the Kinsey Institute for Research in Sex, Gender and Reproduction, a name paying homage to its founder and lead researcher.
Dr. Kinsey’s research is credited with starting the sexual revolution that took place in the 1960s.
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Life and Death
Born: June 23, 1894, in Hoboken, New Jersey Parents: Alfred Seguine Kinsey and Sarah Ann Charles. Died: August 25, 1956, age 62, the cause was listed as a heart ailment and pneumonia.
Research Topics
Kinsey’s interest in the field of sexology gained momentum after he studied carefully the mating habits of the gall wasp. This research led to questions about human sexuality and sexual practices, particularly after discussing the topic with a colleague named Robert Kroc.
Perhaps, Kinsey and the institute are best known for the 1948 – Sexual Behavior in the Human Male and 1953 – Sexual Behavior in the Human Female. Exposure of the public to these reports, the Kinsey Reports, was deemed by many to be dangerous to society. Thus, Kinsey put the idea of academic freedom to the test, and eventually gained the full support of Herman B. Wells, then president of Indiana University.
The Controversy
As mentioned above, Kinsey is often credited with the beginning of the sexual revolution. His work generated controversy particularly among conservative religious groups throughout the world, when his published studies included ideas and practices that were contrary to their own teachings.
These groups questioned not only Kinsey’s research, but his personal life as well. It was rumored that in addition to studying human sexuality, that Kinsey participated in unusual sexual practices including the filming of pornographic films and bisexuality.
Popular Media
In [[2004], a biographical film entitled Kinsey, starred Liam Neeson as Dr. Kinsey, and his wife was portrayed by actress Laura Linney as his wife. Also in 2004, a novel was released by author T.C. Boyle, entitled The Inner Circle.