Gay, Straight, and In-Between: The Sexology of Erotic Orientation - Softcover

Money, John

Softcover

ISBN 10: 0195063317 ISBN 13: 9780195063318

Publisher: Oxford University Press, 1990

Synopsis

The diverse historical, cultural, and physiological influences that determine sexual orientation are the focus of this fascinating work by one of the foremost investigators of human sexuality. Drawing on case studies from his sexology clinic, the author explores such topics as prenatal and postnatal history, gender differentiation in childhood, and postpubertal hormonal theories. In so doing, he addresses the many enigmas of sexual orientation: What makes some children grow up to be homosexual, while others become heterosexual or bisexual? To what degree is gender identity determined before birth? How do the concepts of masculine and feminine become differentiated during childhood? What do we know about the relationship between hormones and homosexuality in adulthood? A unique feature of this book is the follow-up reporting on Money's long-term studies that began over three decades ago. The studies are brought together here for comparison with one another--and with the work of others--and their full significance is systematically evaluated. Also explored here is his pioneering concepts of lovemaps, the pathways of individual sexual and erotic development, and the factors that may shape overall healthy or pathological orientation, paraphilia, and gender transposition in childhood, adolescence, and maturity. Written in accessible language for researchers and clinicians, this authoritative work is both thought-provoking and informative as it explores timely questions of sexual orientation.

About this title

About the Author:

John Money is Emeritus Professor of Medical Psychology in the Department of Psychiatry and Behavioral Sciences and Emeritus Professor of Pediatrics at The Johns Hopkins Hospital and School of Medicine. He is the author of several books, including Lovemaps and The Destroying Angel.

Review:

"A scholastic masterpiece....The best and most up to date review of the neurobiology of sexual orientation in print....This book should be required reading for all psychiatrists and is strongly recommended for all physicians who will be caring for gay and bisexual men with AIDS in the years to come." --Newsletter of the Psychiatric Medical Association of New Mexico

"An internationally recognized expert on problems of gender identity, Money examines the cultural, physiological, and personal history factors that determine sexual orientation and its disorders . . . . His discussion of the development of 'lovemaps' (the picture one has of the idealized lover or love object) helps explain sexual behavior that otherwise would seem irrational. Illustrative case histories are frequently used. There is an excellent glossary . . . . This is a book for specialists and is recommended for university libraries." --Choice

"The author addresses important scientific and social questions, and it is clear that he has devoted many years of thoughtful attention to them." --Journal of the American Medical Association

About this edition

• Publisher: Oxford University Press
• Publication date: 1990
• ISBN 10: 0195063317
• ISBN 13: 9780195063318
• Binding: Paperback
• Number of pages: 288