Sex Researchers:

Background

Mary Calderone was born in 1904 (Epstein, 1999). She grew up in a family of artists. From the age of ten she grew up in France and lived with her father. She tried her hand at different art forms but in 1934 she decided to go to medical school.

Theory/Research

After medical school, Mary Calderone became the medical director of Planned Parenthood of America (Epstein, 1990). She was also a co-founder of the Sex Information and Education Council of the United States (SIECUS). Calderone desired to influence a change in attitudes about sex. According to David Mace, the SIECUS set out to change the attitudes of “suspicion, guilt, and fear that surrounded” human sexuality.

 Mary Calderone was a pioneer for sex education. She was the medical director of Planned Parenthood for many years and a cofounder for the Sex Information and Education Council of the United States (Epstein, 1999). She also wrote books and journal articles concerning childhood and adolescent sexuality (Calderone, 1985). Her research and writings included theories of humans being sexual beings even as a fetus. She also conducted research and helped others understand that the preadolescent stage is not one of latency when it comes to sexual development but a period of time when many changes emotionally and physically are taking place.

Reference

Calderone, M. (1985). Adolescent sexuality: Elements and genesis. Pediatrics76(4), 699-704.