Money advanced the use of more accurate terminology in sex research, coining the terms gender role and sexual orientation.[10][11] Despite widespread popular belief, Money did not coin the term gender identity.[12] Money pioneered drug treatment for sex offenders to extinguish their sex drives.[13]
Since the 1990s, Money's work and research has been subject to significant academic and public scrutiny.[14] A 1997 academic study criticized Money's work in many respects, particularly in regard to the involuntary sex-reassignment of the child David Reimer.[15][16] Money allegedly coerced David and his brother Brian to perform sexual rehearsal with each other, which Money then photographed. David Reimer lived a troubled life, ending with his suicide at 38 following his brother's suicide.[17]
Money believed that transgender people had an idée fixe, and established the Johns Hopkins Gender Identity Clinic in 1965. He screened adult patients for two years prior to granting them a medical transition, and believed sex roles should be de-stereotyped, so that masculine women would be less likely to desire transition.[18] Money is generally viewed as a negative figure by the transgender community.[19]
Money's writing has been translated into many languages and includes around 2,000 articles, books, chapters and reviews. He received around 65 honors, awards and degrees in his lifetime.[10]