The establishment of core gender identity in normal girls. I. (a) introduction; (b) development of the ego capacity to differentiate

Abstract

There has been a gradual shift from Freud's point of view that there is no femininity until the phallic phase. Modification of Freud's view on the onset of femininity is furthered by establishing that differences between boys and girls are observable in the preoedipal period and by studying the origin of a girl's sense of femaleness, i.e., her core gender identity. It is not essential whether we call this early development of the girl's sense of her femaleness core gender identity, earliest gender identity,or precursors of gender identity.Several studies confirm it is an essential foundation on which subsequent gender identity is built, Its establishment is normally well under way and sometimes irreversible by age 3 and more firmly secured in the fourth and fifth years. Of the multiple factors-biological (including its expression as instinctual drive), genetic, and experiental-contributing to core gender identity, the ego capacity to differentiate is traced and stressed as a necessary condition. The psychoanalytic and relevant nonpsychoanalytic literature is reviewed. Cognitive functions play a more significant role in core gender identity formation than previously believed and probably are more universally contributory at this early age (before 3) than identification mechańisms, envy of the male genitals, or castration anxiety. Ascription of gender at birth followed by the environmental confirmation impinging on progressively maturating cognitive capacities in the child would then normally be the organizer of gender identity, although definitely not the sole forces molding it.