Femininity

Freud's assertions regarding "penis envy" seem to completely disregard society's role in the formation of this supposedly inevitable complex. Firstly, Freud omits any parental explanation of genitalia. Therefore, even if one were to acknowledge Freud's ideas as valid, in order for "penis envy" to develop "naturally," a child could not be exposed to any gender discourse, conversations regarding genitalia or any implications with regard to these subjects. However, from a young age, children are almost always socialized according to their sexes. Therefore, Freud's comments seem quite presumptuous. It seems more likely that little girls and women are reacting to a dislike of patriarchal society, rather than the absence of a penis. Hence, if the differences between the sexes are properly explained to children, girls and boys usually grow up understanding that men and women are different, but can appreciate their own bodies.
Secondly, Freud's remarks about girls playing with dolls in connection with their relationships with their mothers seem almost ludicrous. Countless studies show that girls are more likely to play with dolls than boys are because society encourages and socializes them to do so. Freud's ideas seem to be largely based on assumptions and, if anything, illustrate the effects of society on the formation of gender roles, rather than explain "natural" processes.