Penis envy

Penis envy (German: Penisneid) is a stage in Sigmund Freud's theory of female psychosexual development,^[1] in which young girls experience anxiety upon realization that they do not have a penis. Freud considered this realization a defining moment in a series of transitions toward a mature female sexuality. In Freudian theory, the penis envy stage begins the transition from attachment to the mother to competition with the mother for the attention and affection of the father.^[2] The young boy's realization that women do not have a penis is thought to result in castration anxiety.

Freud's theory on penis envy was criticized and debated by other psychoanalysts, such as Karen Horney, Ernest Jones, Helene Deutsch, and Melanie Klein, specifically on the treatment of penis envy as a fixed operation as opposed to a formation constructed or used in a secondary manner to fend off earlier wishes.^[3]

^ Freud, Sigmund (1975) [1962]. Three essays on the theory of sexuality. Strachey, James. New York: Basic Books. ISBN 0465097081. OCLC 2616954.
^ Sigmund Freud, New Introductory Lectures on Psychoanalysis (PFL 2) p. 158-163
^ Laplanche, Jean; Pontalis, J.B. (1973). The language of psycho-analysis. New York: W.W. Norton. p. 304. ISBN 0393011054. OCLC 741058.

[1] Freud, Sigmund (1975) [1962]. Three essays on the theory of sexuality. Strachey, James. New York: Basic Books. ISBN 0465097081. OCLC 2616954.

[2] Sigmund Freud, New Introductory Lectures on Psychoanalysis (PFL 2) p. 158-163

[:0-3] Laplanche, Jean; Pontalis, J.B. (1973). The language of psycho-analysis. New York: W.W. Norton. p. 304. ISBN 0393011054. OCLC 741058.

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