Psychodynamic explanation of Gender Development

• Freud’s psychoanalytic theory of gender development

  • Freud’s psychoanalytic theory states gender development is an unconscious process.
  • It occurs in the phallic stage of psychosexual development (around 4-5 years old).
  • Gender development happens through resolving the Oedipus complex (for boys) or Electra complex (for girls).
  • Children identify with their same-sex parent and internalize gender-related behaviors and attitudes.
  • They adopt these behaviors as their own and expect them from others.
• Freud’s psychoanalytic theory of gender development in boys

  • In the phallic stage, boys experience the Oedipus complex, developing feelings for their mother and seeing their father as a rival.
  • Boys recognize their father’s power, leading to castration anxiety (fear of being castrated by their father).
  • To resolve this, boys repress their feelings for their mother and identify with their father.
  • This identification leads boys to internalize their father's male gender role.
  • Through this, boys adopt male-related behaviors and attitudes, forming a masculine gender identity.
• Freud’s psychoanalytic theory of gender development in girls

  • In the phallic stage, girls experience the Electra complex, developing penis envy and desiring their father.
  • They blame their mother but eventually accept they won't have a penis.
  • Over time, they replace their desire for a penis with a desire to have children.
  • Identification with the mother occurs as girls want to be like her (produce children).
  • This identification leads girls to internalize their mother's female gender role.
  • Girls adopt female-related behaviours and attitudes, forming a feminine gender identity.
• Evaluation of Freud’s psychoanalytic theory of gender development

  • it is supported by the case study of Little Hans
  • that it has been criticised for being unscientific.
  • it has received opposing evidence.
  • it may overestimate the age at which gender identity is formed and gender-appropriate behaviours are displayed.