Psychodynamic explanations of gender

Question 1

Psychodynamic Theory (Freud, 1905)

Answer 1

Gender identity develops during the phallic stage (3-6 years).

Children experience unconscious conflicts related to their parents which influence gender identity.

Question 2

Oedipus Complex (Boys)

Answer 2

Boy develops unconscious sexual feelings for his mother and sees his father as a rival.

Fears castration by father (castration anxiety).

Resolves this by identifying with the father and internalising male gender identity and behaviours

Question 3

Electra Complex (Girls)

Answer 3

Girl experiences penis envy and feels competition with her mother for her father’s attention.

Realises she cannot have a penis and substitutes this with the desire for a baby.

Resolves this by identifying with her mother, adopting female roles and behaviours

Question 4

Identification and Internalisation

Answer 4

Identification: Child takes on the characteristics, values, and behaviours of the same-sex parent.

Internalisation: These behaviours and values become part of the child’s moral and gender identity

Question 5

Importance of Unconscious Processes

Answer 5

Gender development driven by unconscious desires and anxieties linked to relationships with parents.

Resolutions of these complexes are crucial for healthy gender identity

Question 6

strengths

Answer 6

✅ Highlights unconscious processes
→ Example: Introduced the idea that unconscious conflicts shape gender identity.

✅ Case study support
→ Example: Little Hans showed signs of the Oedipus complex, supporting Freud’s ideas

Question 7

limitations

Answer 7

❌ Gender bias
→ Example: Focuses more on male development, with less emphasis on female experiences.

❌ Lacks empirical support
→ Example: Based on untestable concepts like the unconscious and Oedipus complex