Discrimination Between Genders

As regards the prehistory of the Oedi-pus complex in boys we are far from
complete clarity We know that that period includes an identification of an
affectionate sort with the boy's father, an identification which is stili free from any
sense of rivalry in regard to his moth-er. Another element of that stage is invariably,
1 believe, a masturbatory activity in connection with the genitals, the masturbation
of early childhood, the more or less violent suppression of which by those in charge
of the child sets the castration complex in action. it is to be as-sumed that this
masturbation is attached to the Oedipus complex and serves as a discharge for the
sexual excitation belonging to it.