Betwixt The Sheets: The History of Sex, Scandal & Society Inside America's Famous Sex Study
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Jun 17, 2025 In this engaging discussion, historian Donna Drucker from Columbia University delves into the groundbreaking work of Alfred Kinsey, a pivotal figure in sexology. She unpacks Kinsey’s innovative research methods and the ethical dilemmas they ignited. The conversation highlights how societal attitudes toward sexuality evolved, particularly in response to his controversial findings on masturbation and homosexuality. Drucker also explores the unconventional personal lives of Kinsey's research team, illustrating the fascinating intersection of personal ethics and scientific inquiry.
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Kinsey's Scientific Career Shift
- Alfred Kinsey transitioned from studying gall wasps to becoming a pioneering sexologist.
- His scientific approach to sexology made a significant mark on the academic discipline in the 20th century.
Marriage Course Sparks Curiosity
- Kinsey started a marriage course with frank sex education, which was very popular.
- Students would fake engagements just to enroll and ask him personal sex questions privately.
Privacy by Coded Questionnaires
- Kinsey's interviews used a coded questionnaire to guarantee participant privacy.
- The coding ensured no one outside the team could interpret private sexual behavior data.
