Alfred Kinsey: A Sex Hero or Sexual Deviant

By Kimberly Guthrie

            Known for initiating the sexual revolution, Dr. Alfred Kinsey remains as a prominent figure when it comes to the issues involving sex, even in this modern day. With his research in the history of sex, in addition to sexual behaviors amongst Americans, Kinsey was able to change the way people viewed sex. With his belief that adultery could benefit a marriage and that children were sexual since birth, Kinsey’s research and writings made him a well-known sexologist. Nonetheless, some of his surprise findings included that 90% of American males masturbated, 85% had had premarital intercourse, and 70% had paid for a prostitute at least once in their lives, which had sparked much critique and acceptance. [1] Despite, his impact on the history of sex in our society, Kinsey’s name is often received with much criticism and condemnation as many blame him for the wrongdoings related to sex. Hence some critics even blame him for the popularity of pornography and birth control. Furthermore, from 1938 to 1956 Kinsey conducted over 17,000 face-to-face interviews and wrote various bestsellers such as Kinsey Reports and Sexual Behavior in the Human Male for his findings of sexual behaviors. [2]

Although, Kinsey spent much time on his research, his methods and statistics were very much so flawed. Perhaps, one of his earlier errors was his preconceived hypothesizes, in which he would center his researches around to promote his own personal ideas. His studies relied on volunteers, thus majority of his answers came from sexual deviants and caused a skew and disproportion in his statistics. During an era in which sex talk was kept hidden, most of the open volunteers included sex offenders, criminals, and prostitutes. In fact it was later discovered that about 1,400 of the men interviewed were sex offenders, in which he used their answers for his findings in children’s sexual behaviors. [3] Some of his infamous interviewees were Nazi Dr. Fritz von Balluseck, who was convicted for rape and murder of a ten year-old girl, and Rex King, who raped more than 800 children. [2] Hence, his findings would cause an error amongst his statistics related to masturbation and adultery. While many criticize, the sexologist for even conducting such interviews, it was his refusal to inform police of the sex crimes that made his research more condemning. "In a sort of way he was ruthless… If someone had sexual information that was germane, Kinsey would use it," biographer Jonathan Hardy stated about Kinsey’s unethical methods. [4] In reference to Henry’s statement, I agree that Kinsey’s protection of the “sexual deviant’s” secrets were unethical, and led to the disapproval of his findings. I believe that Kinsey’s purpose for the research was beneficial in creating a more open society, however his ruthless actions discredits him as a respectful researcher. For the nature of science, Kinsey should have still chosen to tell the police on such crimes, in order to create a safer environment, rather than look out for his own advantages. As can be seen, Kinsey’s methods were flawed because he relied on an unconventional crowd to conduct his study on, while having their answers be viewed as a normal behavior for all Americans.

While Kinsey’s skewed findings caused much criticism, it was his sexual behaviors that led to much controversy. It was alleged that Kinsey and his staff often participated in various sexual acts, as well as he would help to molest children in order to obtain information on children’s sexuality. [5] Many rumors surfaced about Kinsey’s sexual behaviors, believing that he was a pedophile, who practiced a sadomasochistic form of autoeroticism. [6] In addition, to his ostracized sexual behaviors, it was his critics that also made him more famous. With various books written to shun the sexologist, as well as an anti-Kinsey campaign led by Judith Reisman, many people often blamed him for issues such as divorce, rape, promiscuity, and homosexuality. [7] Despite, the many criticisms I feel that Kinsey’s research was able to expose America to the sexual behaviors that exist in society. Although, there are several acts, such as his alleged involvement in sex crimes that I disapprove of in Kinsey’s research I do not believe that he could be blame for issues such as rape and homosexuality, since these behaviors have been occurring for centuries prior to Kinsey’s findings. Furthermore, whether you view Alfred Kinsey as a sex hero or simply as a pedophile, his findings on sexual behaviors will forever be prominent in the history of sex in our society.

[1] PBS. "Kinsey." PBS. http://www.pbs.org/wgbh/amex/kinsey/peopleevents/e_male.html (accessed January 26, 2014).

[2] The Kinsey Institute for Research in Sex, Gender, and Reproduction, Inc. "The Kinsey Institute." The Kinsey Institute. http://www.kinseyinstitute.org/about/photo-tour.html.. (accessed January 24, 2014).

[3] "Library : Kinsey's Secret: The Phony Science of the Sexual Revolution - Catholic Culture." Library : Kinsey's Secret: The Phony Science of the Sexual Revolution - Catholic Culture. http://www.catholicculture.org/culture/library/view.cfm?recnum=6036 (accessed January 25, 2014).

[4] Spector, Dina. "Why Kinsey's Research Remains Even More Controversial Than The 'Masters Of Sex'   ." Business Insider. http://www.businessinsider.com/why-alfred-kinsey-was-controversial-2013-10 (accessed January 25, 2014).

[5] Warner, Vanessa, and Trudy Hutch. "CONCERNED WOMEN FOR AMERICA Legislative Action Committee." CONCERNED WOMEN FOR AMERICA. http://www.cwfa.org/kids-and-sex-the-kinsey-connection/ (accessed January 24, 2014)

[6] ZENIT. "The Truth Behind Alfred Kinsey | ZENIT - The World Seen From Rome." ZENIT. http://www.zenit.org/en/articles/the-truth-behind-alfred-kinsey (accessed January 24, 2014).

[7] Reisman, Judith. "Judith Gelernter Reisman, Ph.D.." - Institute for Media Education. http://drjudithreisman.org/ (accessed January 25, 2014).