Click the play button below to listen to key figures in the world of sexuality. Each interview provides perspectives from people who have acquired either comprehensive or uniquely specialized knowledge about sexual behavior.

Dr. Sue Carter

Dr. Sue Carter is a Professor of Biology at Indiana University, and the director of the Kinsey Institute since 2014. Dr. Carter is best known for her work in behavioral neuroendocrinology, especially in the field of love, pair bonding and social monogamy. She was among the first scientists to explore role of oxytocin and vasopressin in bonding.  This research was the impetus behind many other researchers’ explorations into the role of bonding hormones in human sexual and social behavior. She also studies parental behavior and social aspects of stress. At the Kinsey Institute she is actively expanding their research programs into human sexuality. Dr. Carter is an author of many scientific articles, and several books, including Attachment and Bonding; A New Synthesis.

Discussion Questions:

1. Provide an example of the possible reactions of males and females in a situation of major stress.
2. Why are studies with people going through sex change transitions interesting and important?
3. How can trauma influence sexuality?

Dr. Gordon Gallup

Gordon G. Gallup, Jr. (1941–) is a pioneer in the fields of evolutionary psychology and biopsychology. He initially came to prominence with his work that demonstrated self-awareness in non-human primates.  His work in the study of reproductive competition in humans has led to novel insights into the evolution of human sexual anatomy and human sexual behavior.  He examined the role of semen chemistry, penis shape, and the male rivalry in human mating. Dr. Gallup is well known for his unconventional and highly creative methods of research, applied to both, humans and non-human primates. He is a psychology professor at the University of Albany, and author of many articles and books, including The Face in the Mirror: How We Know Who We Are.

Discussion Questions:

1. Why are human reproductive strategies sometimes very different from strategies of other species?
2. What is the relation of paraphilia and gender?
3. How does the paternal uncertainty affect the relationship of father and grandparents to children?