Differences between Freud and Horney
Refer back to this blog along with prior knowledge:
http://noriminnis.wordpress.com/2010/04/15/freud-vs-horney/
According to Freud, the first thing that a woman does when she meets another human being is to designate that person’s sex; this observation is made by a woman before any other characteristics are acknowledged. Freud believed that men and women are the same only when it comes to their body parts that contribute solely to reproduction. Freud also believes that men and women are equal as far as both sexes having other body parts that contribute to the distinction of the individual as male or female
One of the most prominent features of Freud’s theories on women is the concept of penis envy. The girl realizes at a young age that she is missing something that boys her age possess, a penis. According to Freud, the fact that the woman envies the man of his penis shows in her a weakness, a biological and psychological lack. The woman recognizes this lack and attempts to make up for it in different ways throughout the rest of her life. Horney gives several reasons for why penis envy is an unreasonable theory. Even though girls seem to desire to have a penis, there are other things that they desire as well. Little girls also desire to have breasts, which is a strictly feminine possession. Therefore the wish to have a penis does not necessarily mean that every woman desires to be male. Many little girls also display a desire to be a male by acting like a tomboy. However, this activity could have many other causes, such as insecurities or not fitting in with other girls.
In contrast to Freud, Horney believes that external as well as internal processes affect the development of an individual. Horney gives two possible reasons for the justification of the presence of penis envy in women. The first is that women often express certain hostility towards men; often this is displayed in the desire to achieve equal status with men and gain the same amount of success. Second, women often complain about the functions that go along with being a woman, such as menstruation. Horney refutes these justifications and says that what appears to be a desire to be male is simply the woman’s desire for equality in society. In addition, Horney once again criticizes Freud by saying that he puts too great an influence on the subconscious. She believes that these desires are relevant and there is no need for women to push them aside or try to suppress them.
http://noriminnis.wordpress.com/2010/04/15/freud-vs-horney/
According to Freud, the first thing that a woman does when she meets another human being is to designate that person’s sex; this observation is made by a woman before any other characteristics are acknowledged. Freud believed that men and women are the same only when it comes to their body parts that contribute solely to reproduction. Freud also believes that men and women are equal as far as both sexes having other body parts that contribute to the distinction of the individual as male or female
One of the most prominent features of Freud’s theories on women is the concept of penis envy. The girl realizes at a young age that she is missing something that boys her age possess, a penis. According to Freud, the fact that the woman envies the man of his penis shows in her a weakness, a biological and psychological lack. The woman recognizes this lack and attempts to make up for it in different ways throughout the rest of her life. Horney gives several reasons for why penis envy is an unreasonable theory. Even though girls seem to desire to have a penis, there are other things that they desire as well. Little girls also desire to have breasts, which is a strictly feminine possession. Therefore the wish to have a penis does not necessarily mean that every woman desires to be male. Many little girls also display a desire to be a male by acting like a tomboy. However, this activity could have many other causes, such as insecurities or not fitting in with other girls.
In contrast to Freud, Horney believes that external as well as internal processes affect the development of an individual. Horney gives two possible reasons for the justification of the presence of penis envy in women. The first is that women often express certain hostility towards men; often this is displayed in the desire to achieve equal status with men and gain the same amount of success. Second, women often complain about the functions that go along with being a woman, such as menstruation. Horney refutes these justifications and says that what appears to be a desire to be male is simply the woman’s desire for equality in society. In addition, Horney once again criticizes Freud by saying that he puts too great an influence on the subconscious. She believes that these desires are relevant and there is no need for women to push them aside or try to suppress them.