Is Sexology a Profession

A national survey of sexologists has been carried out in France in 1998-1999. It describes the characteristics of nearly 1 000 individuals who claim to be sexologists, with respect to their socio-demographic characteristics, their initial profession and training in sexology and psychotherapeutic approaches, the way in which they practice sexology, and different aspects of their practice. The response rate of the study was 63 %. Two thirds of the sexologists are medical doctors and more than 60 % are men. The professional group of French sexologists is segmented into three subgroups. One third are MD, trained in sexology and psychotherapeutic approaches, recognize themselves as sexologists, and devote about 40 % of their professional activity to sexology. One third are non-MD (including psychologists and other health professionals such as social workers and nurses). They recognize themselves as sexotherapists, devote one third of their activity to sexology. Men and women are equally represented in this group. One third are specialized MD, with less training in sexology and psychotherapeutic approaches, do not generally recognize themselves as sexologists, devote a lesser part or their activity to sexology and have academic and hospital practice. Men are the majority of this group and they are over represented in the committees of the most important professional organization of sexologists. The study raises the issue of the autonomy of sexology as a professional field and the segmentation of sexologists into different subgroups.