The Society for the Scientific Study of Sexuality (SSSS, or "quad-S") is a 501(c)(3) non-profit professional membership organization "dedicated to advancing knowledge of sexuality and communicating scientifically based sexuality research and scholarship to professionals, policy makers, and the general public." SSSS was originally incorporated in 1966 as The Society for the Scientific Study of Sex, but in 1996, the name was expanded to The Society for the Scientific Study of Sexuality to better reflect the wide range of members' research interests and because the term "sex" was often interpreted narrowly to refer only to "sexual behavior". The membership includes anthropologists, biologists, educators, historians, nurses, physicians, psychologists, sociologists, theologians, therapists, and others. SSSS produces the Journal of Sex Research, a scholarly journal currently published by Taylor & Francis.

History

Although the 21st Century boasts of a diversity of organizations focused on sexuality, such was not the case in the early 20th Century. As noted by Bullough, early 20th century sex research focused on social hygiene concerns, primarily the elimination of venereal diseases and prostitution. Post WWII, there was growth in interest in the field because of the research of Alfred Kinsey and researchers at the National Council of Family Relations. A need to support researchers across the United States fueled the initial development of SSSS and its journal. The individuals credited with forming SSSS were Hans Lehfeldt, Albert Ellis, Henry Guze, Robert Sherwin, Hugo Beigel, and Harry Benjamin. The supportive individuals grew to a list of Charter Members numbering 47.

The initial organizers developed a constitution stating that the Society's purpose was to (a) Unite in common organization those professionally engaged in various disciplines...who are similarly engaged in the conducting of sexual research or whose profession involves issues relating to sex; (b) To hold periodic scientific meetings for the presentation of research and to organize symposia, seminars, workshops, and conferences to consider all aspects of sexuality; (c) To publish a scientific journal...and a newsletter... and other separate publications; and d) To create a central source for those seeking research information in the field of sex science.

Statements

The mission statement for the organization is as follows:

The ethics statement is the following:

In August 2020, James Cantor left the SSSS, following conflicts with other members over transgender issues. According to an article in the National Post, this occurred after Cantor was temporarily banned for an alleged pattern of bullying behavior. In an essay written to the organization, Cantor defended J. K. Rowling and other critics of the transgender community. The group's president cited a history of "abusive comments" towards other members.

The organization has also created new committees focused on Sexual Orientation, Gender Identity, and Gender Expression (SOGIE), and on Justice, Equity, Diversity, and Inclusion (JEDI). Conference travel grants have been developed to support early career professionals from marginalized groups.

References

  • Justice, Equity, Diversity, and Inclusion Statement (PDF)
  • Statement of Support for Transgender, Gender Non-Conforming, and Gender Expansive Youth (PDF)