The evolution of the science of sex: from animals to humans
Scientists often seek other creative approaches when direct study is impractical. Extreme interest and fear of condemnation led them to study the sexual behavior of animals, hoping these observations could provide insights into human sexual behavior. Even though these animal studies had limited benefits, they became the basis for human sex research. Gynecologist Robert Latu Dickinson is a pioneer in studying human sexual reactions. He collected and recorded data on his patients’ intimate lives. Dickinson also drew attention to the role of the clitoris in female pleasure and popularized the “woman on top” position. What’s more, he considered masturbation to be perfectly normal.
John B. Watson, the father of behaviorism, was the first to perform lab experiments. In his mind, problems in bed were the biggest killers of happy marriages. According to some sources, Watson studied the sexual reactions of his female students, leading him to give up his career. However, his contribution to the study of arousal and orgasm is undeniable.
The most renowned of the early sex researchers is Alfred Kinsey. Although he dreamed of setting up an experimental laboratory to observe human sexual responses, the idea was too risky. Such studies could cause a lot of criticism, rejection, and even accusations of perversion.
To avoid unnecessary publicity, he organized a discreet home-based approach. Kinsey filmed the intimate relationships of the participants, most of whom consisted of other scientists and their wives. Special groups like people with stuttering, paralysis, and amputated limbs were another part of the research. He noticed that their symptoms lessened during sexual arousal; pain and other physical stimuli faded as their bodies focused on their natural purpose of conception. While some critics have questioned the purity of Kinsey’s motives, Roach holds a different view. She believes that Kinsey was a desperate researcher, driven to gain a deeper understanding of human sexual pleasure.
Despite all the challenges and obstacles, the first sex researchers courageously paved the way for more advanced and impressive discoveries.