While Freud's theory of sexuality, and especially of the Oedipal Complex, offended (and continues to offend) conservative sensibilities , it has also offended the more liberal sensibilities of feminists. In the mid-1920's Freud, recognizing that he did not understand women very well, revised his view of female psychology. He had previously seen it as paralleling male development, now he saw a difference. However, rather than simply recognizing a different developmental "voice" (as psychologist Carol Gilligan would later put it), Freud interpreted the difference as a disability.
Read the two essays on female psychology and come to class prepared to respond to the following questions.
The Dissolution of the Oedipus Complex
(Freud Reader, pp. 661-666)
1. According to Freud, what is the key distinction between normal
and neurotic development? (i.e. the "borderline between the normal and
the pathological") What is essential for normal development to occur, at
least in the male child?
2. Explain as fully as you can Freud's dictum that "Anatomy is Destiny". Do you agree? Why or why not?
Consequences of the Anatomical Distinction...(pp.
670-678)
3. Explain, in as much detail as possible, Freud's answer to his
own rhetorical question "Was will das Weib?"
4. According to Freud, the elimination of what is a necessary precondition for the development of femininity? That most women are strongly motivated to eliminate this is explained by what, according to Freud? How does Freud apparently view femininity? Do you agree or disagree with this view?
5. According to Freud, why is the motive for the demolition of the Oedipus Complex lacking? What does this result in, and what consequences does it have for the personality of women? Is there any truth in Freud's psychology of women, or is it all male chauvinism?