PSYC 356 Final: Ch6_StudyGuide_Answers
20 Jun 2018
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Chapter 6
Horney: Psychoanalytic Social Theory
1. Compare and contrast the theories of Horney and Freud.
Karen Horney's psychoanalytic social theory, assumes that social and cultural
conditions, especially during childhood, have a powerful effect on later
personality. Like Melanie Klein, Horney accepted many of Freud's
observations, but she objected to most of his interpretations, including his
notions on feminine psychology.
Although Horney's writings deal mostly with what she called neuroses and
neurotic personalities, her theories are also appropriate to normal
development. She agreed with Freud that early childhood traumas are
important, but she placed far more emphasis on social factors.
A. Horney and Freud Compared
Horney criticized Freudian theory on at least three accounts: (1) its rigidity
toward new ideas, (2) its skewed view of feminine psychology, and (3) its
overemphasis on biology and the pleasure principle.
B. The Impact of Culture
Horney insisted that modern culture is too competitive and that competition
leads to hostility and feelings of isolation. These conditions lead to exaggerated
needs for affection and cause people to overvalue love.
C. The Importance of Childhood Experiences
Neurotic conflict stems largely from childhood traumas, most of which are
traced to a lack of genuine love. Children who do not receive genuine affection
feel threatened and adopt rigid behavioral patterns in an attempt to gain love.
2. Discuss Horney's concepts of basic hostility and basic anxiety.
All children need feelings of safety and security, but these can be gained only
by love from parents. Unfortunately, parents often neglect, dominate, reject, or
overindulge their children, conditions that lead to the child's feelings of basic
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Document Summary
Horney: psychoanalytic social theory: compare and contrast the theories of horney and freud. Karen horney"s psychoanalytic social theory, assumes that social and cultural conditions, especially during childhood, have a powerful effect on later personality. Like melanie klein, horney accepted many of freud"s observations, but she objected to most of his interpretations, including his notions on feminine psychology. Although horney"s writings deal mostly with what she called neuroses and neurotic personalities, her theories are also appropriate to normal development. She agreed with freud that early childhood traumas are important, but she placed far more emphasis on social factors: horney and freud compared. Horney criticized freudian theory on at least three accounts: (1) its rigidity toward new ideas, (2) its skewed view of feminine psychology, and (3) its overemphasis on biology and the pleasure principle: the impact of culture. Horney insisted that modern culture is too competitive and that competition leads to hostility and feelings of isolation.
