Lerner reviews some early and recent definitions of the concept of penis envy. She concedes that the perception of actual anatomical differences between the sexes does play a role in little girls' psychic development, but she believes it is precipitated not so much by the experience that the male organ is superior as by a need to deal defensively with the anxieties and conflicts aroused by her own genitals. She recommends that the specific meaning of penis envy must be elucidated in each case.