Since the late 1950s and mainly since 1980, discussion has taken place about the impact of the genitals on the development of body image and identity. Combining data from infant research and clinical vignettes, this discussion not only enhances our knowledge of psychosexual processes in males and females, but also looks into the question of interchanges between bodily and affective experience and cognitive development. This article gives an over-view of the main viewpoints and topics.