Kinsey brings world-class research to IU

Sex is usually a pretty taboo conversation subject, but at IU’s Kinsey Institute for Research in Sex, Gender and Reproduction, the bedroom is their business.

The Kinsey Institute, while sometimes controversial, has become one of the top places for sexual research in the world, and it is located right on IU’s campus.

The Kinsey Institute’s primary focus is to provide research and analysis to researchers and the public about sexuality. 

Alfred Kinsey, a biologist and zoologist, was the founder. He was curious about human sexual behaviors and relationships.

He researched his theories using face-to-face interviews, which, especially during the initial period of this research, caused quite a commotion.

From this, he developed the Kinsey Reports, two books featuring human sexuality, one for males and one for females.

“Kinsey was a revolutionary of his time, and we get the opportunity to see his research and see what he did in person,” junior Jon Allen said.

 In 1947, the Kinsey Institute for Research in Sex, Gender and Reproduction was brought to Indiana University as a stable and secure location for Kinsey’s research.

“It’s one of the treasures of Indiana University. There are many students who are interested in human sexuality, and there are not very many academic sources for studying topics related to sexuality,” said Jennifer Bass, communications director for the Kinsey Institute.

Today, the Institute has grown to include artwork, books and resources, in addition to being a location for research about sexuality, gender and relationships.

The institute has even branched out to create Kinsey Confidential, a web-based question and answer blog, for students to learn more about sex and relationships in a straight-forward and objective fashion.

Students agree that the Institute provides excellent resources to help them to learn more about the world of sexuality and gender.

“I feel that most college students need somewhere to learn more about sexuality,” sophomore Minjin Choi said.