1.

The meanings of Oedipus and Electra complex

The Oedipus complex primarily occurs during the phallic stage of psychosexual development (ages
3 to 6 years), according to Freud's psychosexual theory. It involves a boy's unconscious desire to
possess his mother and eliminate his father as a rival.
The term "Oedipus complex" originates from the Greek myth of Oedipus, who unknowingly killed his
father and married his mother.
Freud suggested that boys experience intense feelings of jealousy and rivalry toward their fathers,
viewing them as competitors for the affection of their mothers. Simultaneously, they may also
experience guilt and fear of punishment for their desires. While
The Electra complex is the counterpart to the Oedipus complex and occurs in girls during the phallic
stage of development.
Named after the Greek myth of Electra, who sought vengeance for the murder of her father by her
mother and her lover.
In the Electra complex, girls experience feelings of attraction toward their fathers and jealousy
toward their mothers, similar to boys in the Oedipus complex.
the Oedipus and Electra complexes represent Freud's theory of unconscious desires and conflicts
within the family dynamic during early childhood. While these concepts have sparked considerable
debate and criticism, they remain influential in psychoanalytic theory and continue to be discussed in
the context of human development and psychology.

2. Do you agree with the theories? If yes, at what extent?

Regarding Freud’s definition of the theories, NO, I do not agree with them. The first reason why is
because it isn’t a universal experience. Since Freud’s theory mainly focused on sexual desires, I find
it weird and repulsive. Second is that various families would have different ways of bringing up their
children. Some would have a different family dynamic than others. Fathers could be the main
caretaker or, in unfortunate circumstances, not be present at all. Mothers also have an important role
in the dynamic and the family structure.

3. Are there issues / disputes about those theories?

- DALAY

Universality: Freud's theory suggests the Oedipus complex is a universal human experience. Critics
argue that this disregards cultural contexts. Oedipus's story might reflect specific anxieties in ancient
Greek society, not a fundamental human truth.

Focus on Sexuality: Some argue Freud overemphasizes the sexual aspect. Oedipus Rex explores
themes of fate, free will, and the search for knowledge. These can be central to understanding the
play without solely focusing on sexual desire.

Gender Bias: The theory is rooted in a patriarchal view where the father-son dynamic is dominant.
Feminist critics argue it neglects the mother's role and the impact of the entire family structure.

Determinism vs. Agency: The play portrays Oedipus as somewhat helpless against his fate. Some
critics see this as undermining his agency and responsibility for his actions.
4. As a group do you agree with those theories? Support your ideas with your arguments and
explain

Freud's Oedipus and Electra complexes, though conversation starters about the little ones' inner
world, are like childhood myths – fun to explore, but not entirely true. We disagree with them for
a few reasons. First, Freud focused on a specific culture, missing the rich tapestry of family
structures around the globe. Second, his theories are all about "who wants who," neglecting the
emotional jungle of feelings that grow between parents and kids. Third, they paint a picture of
families stuck in traditional roles, with dads as rivals and moms as prizes. This simply doesn't
reflect the reality of modern families. Finally, there's not a lot of hard evidence to back these
theories up. They're more like bedtime stories than scientific facts. Modern psychology offers a
more grown-up approach. We look at how kids learn relationship skills from those around them,
how early bonds with caregivers shape their emotional lives, and how families function as
interconnected systems, where everyone influences everyone else. These ideas give us a more
complete and culturally aware understanding of how kids develop in the complex world of
family.

Rodriguez, John Cedric D.

According to StudySmarter, the definition of Oedipus Complex, in my understanding, is the

process wherein a boy’s sensual feelings starts with their desire for their mother. Because of
this, the boy will tend to have frustrating feelings and fear towards their father. On the other
hand, Electra Complex is the process wherein a girl will have the desire for a male’s
reproductive part. They will initially find it in their mother but it will only lead them to resent their
mother for not having that organ. In the end, they will find it in their father which could lead to
sensual attraction.

Personally, I do not believe the definite meaning of these theories. In Oedipus Complex, I do not
believe that some boys desire their mothers, initially. Instead, I’d like to think that whatever the
feelings the boy is experiencing towards their mother, they cannot directly convey it to their
mother, instead, they convey it to other women. A boy’s first hand experience with women starts
with their mother, that I believe. While in Electra Complex, I do not believe that girls will always
have the desire of their father’s reproductive part. Instead, I believe that girls desire a male
reproductive part because it could represent power. The understand the idea of men being
superior because they have the single thing a woman cannot have. Girls understand that being
a man is being above women, but at the same time, I believe girls understand that power can be
gained in other ways other than having a male reproductive part.

I believe that the problems with these theories is that it creates a toxic and forbidden attachment
towards their mother and father. In these theories, boys create a toxic feeling towards their
father just because of their unwanted feelings for their mother. While girls create a sense of
desire for a male reproductive part to the point they will resent their mother for having one.