In today’s world, the word gender is everywhere. But where did this idea come from? Many parents don’t realize that the modern concept of gender did
In today’s world, the word gender is everywhere. But where did this idea come from? Many parents don’t realize that the modern concept of gender didn’t come from history, culture, or women’s rights movements—it came from a controversial psychologist named John Money. His influence has shaped how schools, media, and medical institutions talk about gender today. But his history is filled with troubling experiments, and parents should know the full story.
Who Was John Money?
- John Money was a psychologist and sexologist in the 1950s and 1960s.
- He introduced the idea of gender roles and gender identity, claiming that how a child is raised could determine their gender, not just biology.
- His theories became widely accepted, influencing medicine, education, and policy.
The Reimer Case: A Tragic Experiment
- David Reimer was a baby boy who suffered a medical accident during a circumcision.
- John Money convinced David’s parents to raise him as a girl, believing gender was learned, not biological.
- He called the experiment a success and used it to push his theories.
- But David never identified as female. He struggled deeply, and when he learned the truth as a teenager, he chose to live as a man.
- Tragically, both David and his twin brother later died by suicide, their lives forever impacted by Money’s unethical experiment.
John Money’s Unethical Methods
- Reports reveal that Money forced the Reimer twins to engage in disturbing, sexualized role-play as part of his research.
- He documented their behavior in ways that many now call psychological and sexual abuse.
- Despite these horrors, his work was accepted and used to shape gender policies worldwide.
How This Impacts Parents Today
- John Money’s ideas influenced modern gender discussions, including how schools and doctors talk about gender identity.
- Many gender-related programs are still rooted in the assumption that identity is socially learned, rather than biological.
- Some experts now challenge his work, pointing to its unethical roots and real-world consequences.
What Black Parenting Experts Say
- Dr. Stacey Patton warns that today’s gender discussions often ignore cultural and historical realities, leaving Black children vulnerable to confusion.
- Dr. Joy DeGruy highlights that removing biological reality from discussions of identity can destabilize children’s sense of self.
Recommended Reading for Parents
For those who want to dive deeper into this topic, here are some essential books and resources:
- John Colapinto – As Nature Made Him: The Boy Who Was Raised as a Girl
- A deep dive into the tragic story of David Reimer and John Money’s failed experiment.
- Dr. Leonard Sax – Why Gender Matters
- Explores the biological and psychological differences between boys and girls.
- Dr. Meg Meeker – Strong Mothers, Strong Sons
- A guide to raising boys with confidence and resilience.
- Dr. Stacey Patton – Spare the Kids: Why Whupping Children Won’t Save Black America
- Explores the unique challenges Black parents face in raising strong and self-aware children.
- Dr. Joy DeGruy – Post Traumatic Slave Syndrome
- Examines how historical trauma affects Black children’s sense of identity and resilience.
Parents, Stay Informed
John Money’s theories didn’t emerge from careful ethical research but from harmful experiments that devastated real lives. His work shaped policies that still affect families today. As parents, it’s important to understand where these ideas come from so we can make the best choices for our children.
At RosasChildren.com, we believe in protecting, empowering, and informing parents. Stay aware. Stay strong.
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