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The author is concerned with the origins of the psychic differences
between men and women. Both men and women always have some of the characteristics of both sexes. 'Masculine' and 'feminine' are words taken from popular speech, and in Freud's use they correspond closely with 'active' and 'passive'. This use is derived from the parts commonly played by the sexes in intercourse, though 'active' and 'passive' tendencies are displayed outside the sexual sphere.
In both sexes libido is first directed to the self (primary narcissism). Cathexis of an external object can only be effected if there is sufficient narcissism or if compensation is obtained by love from external sources. Disappointment in object love leads to withdrawal of cathexis on to the self (secondary narcissism). Normally, after an interval a fresh object cathexis can be made, but if narcissism is injured in any way this is impossible. For (active) object cathexis it is a pre-condition that a certain level of narcissism should be maintained.
Normally the boy in spite of disappointments in love and narcissistic wounds becomes a man who takes the active part in wooing and satisfies his aggressive impulses in a more or less sublimated way. His passivity is subordinated to his activity. The development to complete femininity means the adoption of a self-surrendering passive attitude. Aggression turned inward becomes masochism.
Horney's explanation of the sexual differences relies on innate biological factors, but she does not relieve us of the need to give a description of the psychic events which are the outcome of biological factors, nor does she account for the fact that small girls are often as active as small boys, nor explain what happens to their active impulses later on.
The author stresses the psychic importance of the penis as a cause of sexual differences. Both boys and girls need to maintain their narcissisms if they are to form active object relations. Both suffer from being small and i