Castration anxiety or feminine genital anxiety?
15 Citations•1996•
D. Dorsey
Journal of the American Psychoanalytic Association
The concepts of castration anxiety and phallic phase are examined and an argument is made for the general usage of the terms, feminine genital anxiety and infantile genital phase.
Abstract
Adherence to terminology that no longer reflects current theories of female development is explored and challenged. In particular, the concepts of castration anxiety and phallic phase are examined and an argument is made for the general usage of the terms, feminine genital anxiety and infantile genital phase. Relevant literature is reviewed and a case is presented to illustrate the concepts. Speculations are offered as to why we persist in keeping woman a "dark continent."