William+Masters


 * William Masters: Early Years[[image:masters-william-johnson.jpg width="270" height="324" align="left" caption="William Masters pictured with Virginia Johnson"]]**

William Howell Masters was born December 27, 1915 in Cleveland, Ohio to Estabrooks Taylor Masters and Francis Wynne Masters. The family was well-to-do and saw to it that, “their son was given an excellent education” (Maurice, 2001). He began his journey into medicine at Lawrenceville School in N.J. and later went to college at Hamilton College in Clinton, N.Y. “At Hamilton, he excelled both at science and athletics, and made the varsity squads in football, baseball and basketball. He was also a competitive debater. He graduated in 1938.” (Severo, 2001). After Hamilton College, Masters began his medical school education at the University of Rochester Medical School where he earned his medical degree in 1943 (Kolodny, 2001). Upon graduating from Univeristy of Rochester, Masters decided that his calling was to study the physiology of sex in humans as it had been greatly unexplored and a challenge worth pursuing (Severo, 2001). However, this intended path of study was somewhat lost as he went to Washington University School of Medicine in St. Louis for post-graduate training, where he developed quite a reputation early in his years as a doctor as a part of faculty by the year 1947. It was not until 1954 that he was able to obtain the permissions necessary to launch a research program in human sexuality (Kolodny, 2001). In order for Masters to study the physiology of sex in humans it would involve some very intimate observation and research, and during the 50’s and 60’s in the United States, sex was still a relatively taboo topic (Bond, 2011). The climate regarding sexual communication in the United States during the initial stages of Masters’ research was one of ‘Sexual Restraint’. This ‘Generation of Sexual Restraint’ was between 1930-1950 and there were a few distinguishing features to this period: talk of sex was not allowed, sex was a hushed issue, there was a lack of tenderness, touching and sexual expression, and there was virtually no information exchange regarding sex (Bond, 2011). In the United States at this time sex was viewed only as an act for procreation. For these reasons research conducted by Masters was kept out of the public-eye and there was a virtual banning of press release regarding his research. Initially he began his research by working with prostitutes to get obtain a better understanding of what his study was going to entail. After his observation of prostitutes for some time, Masters saw that a woman’s perspective on this topic would prove to be a valuable asset and began searching for a colleague. In 1956 he hired Virginia Johnson and they began their research in 1957 of “observational laboratory research in the anatomy and physiology of human sexual response”(Kolodny, 2001), and over the course of the following 10+ years ,“they’d eventually observe an estimated 14,000 live orgasms” (Romano, 2009). Publishing “Human Sexual Response” in 1966 and “Human Sexual Inadequacy” in 1970 had revolutionary effects as the United States finally had the ability to learn the hard truth about fornication. Although “Human Sexual Response” was a book not targeted toward the general population, it was incredibly difficult to read, “(it) sold more than 250,000 copies in hardcover and then ½ million copies of a paperback interpretation written by Edward and Ruth Brecher” (Maurice, 2001). Another major effect to rise from the research of Masters was that their taped interactions with patients about sex taught other doctors that it is possible to communicate effectively about sex with patients. However, not only did they demonstrate that this practice was possible, but also demonstrated just how to accomplish such a task. “Masters and Johnson’s definition of the anatomical features and physiological mechanisms of the human sexual response, and their creation of a treatment program for common sexual problems, were unequivocally monumental achievements” (Maurice, 2001). This was said by a fellow MD one that has also gone on to say that Masters has been an inspiration to an entire generation of health professionals. To say that couples and individuals with sexual difficulties would surely be short-sighted. In addition to the countless people that Masters helped with his work in the field, there is also the more major beneficiary, the United States as a nation. Bancroft would argue that Master’s work, “transformed the public discourse about sex in America” (Bancourt, 2009). Masters’ research, findings, and publications helped propel America from a culture where sex communication was hushed and largely taboo, to a country where we can talk about sex openly to: help define relationships/status and communicate and identity (Bond, 2011). William Masters is the father of modern physiological sex research and someone who has had a major impact on the role that sex plays in our society today. ** References ** Bancroft, J. (2009). The Enigma of Masters and Johnson: A Review of: “Masters of Sex. The Life and Times of William Masters and Virginia Johnson, The Couple Who Taught America How to Love. By Thomas Maier.”. //Journal of Sex Research//, 46(5), 507-508 Bond, B. (2011). “Culture, Social Norms, and Sexual Communication”. CMN 368 Power-point Lecture Slides. Kolodny, R. C. (2001, August). In Memory of William H. Masters. //Journal of Sex Research//. pp. 274-276. Retrieved from EBSCO//host//.. Lieberman, E. (1986). Masters and Johnson on Sex and Human Loving (Book). //Library Journal//, 111(6), 154. Retrieved from EBSCO//host//. Maurice, W. H. (2001). In Memoriam William H. Masters, MD. //Journal of Sex Education & Therapy//, 26(1), 2. Retrieved from EBSCO//host//. Romano, A. (2009). Sexual Masters of the Universe. //Newsweek//, 153(17), 50-51. Retrieved from EBSCO//host//. Severo, Richard (February 19, 2001). "William H. Masters, a Pioneer in Studying and Demystifying Sex, Dies at 85".//New York Times//. http://query.nytimes.com/gst/fullpage.html?res=9F07E2DB1E30F93AA25751C0A9679C8B63
 * William Masters: Research & Impact **