Elizabeth Amburgey Adkins
(859) 585-5891 ebieadkins@gmail.com Intercourse Discourse:
A Rhetorical Analysis of Alfred Kinsey’s Sex Research
Introduction
The topic of sex often makes people feel uncomfortable. The idea that ‘what happens in the bedroom stays in the bedroom’ remains a popular mantra among many, even in today’s hyper-sexed culture. In the 1940s, Dr. Alfred Kinsey challenged those conceptions by asking individuals to discuss their sexual practices, ideas, convictions, and desires…in detail. This study led to the first publication of its kind, Sexual Behaviors in the Human Male (1948) . Kinsey set out to do what had not been done before—to find out what Americans were doing behind closed doors. To do this, Kinsey employed his research training and scientific background and attempted to quantify human sexual behavior. Kinsey interviewed thousands of people across the country concerning their sex practices. With the badge of “science” across his chest, Kinsey gained the confidence of his readers and was ultimately deemed the Father of the Sexual Revolution. In this paper I will analyze the rhetorical devices at play in Dr. Kinsey’s book within the context of 1940s America. Specifically Chapter 17, “Pre-marital Intercourse” will be analyzed,
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The culture of the 1940s was fashioned, in great part, by the impacts of World War II. America was preoccupied with War efforts, and still reeling from The Great Depression. “Baby boomers” were being born, and communism was feared. But, despite the hardships of the day, “…the World War II generation was trained to honor God, country, and family—and was thus trained to build a secure life for their children and, indeed, for us all.” As a product of this time in history, Alfred Kinsey’s aspirations, biases and perspectives were reflected in his life and