Anthropological Significance of the œdipus Complex*

The purpose of this paper is to advance the idea that the œdipus situation and the resulting castration complex arose with a specific function during the process of evolution from animal to man. Gradually in this development the phenomena of rut and of instinctive monogamous family life was lost. Perhaps if some factor did not appear to suppress the promiscuity that would result from absolutely free sexuality, a loosening of the family ties might thereby result. The great dependence of the new born on both parents in the higher species demanded that a close family union should persist or the species would be eliminated. For this reason an indirect libidinous response was needed to replace the old instinctive one. This condition which we will later discuss does exist in all cultures today. But let us first consider the family life of the higher species of apes.

The phenomenon of rut begins in the higher apes with a physiologic change in the female which forces a specific positive response in the males. The process of selection takes place by the female who chooses her partner from the attracted group.

Following impregnation comes a state of an instinctive common union and the chosen male acts as protector and guardian. After birth the female cares for the new born, while the male protects and provides food. This state continues until the offspring are sufficiently developed to be self maintaining. Then the family union is no longer instinctively maintained.

These reactions are specific and follow each other instinctively at the proper time. They leave no complications, such as repressions or inner conflicts—consequently no need for a hidden parricidal urge. Each animal species has its own instinctive behavior which forms a definite characteristic and is common to its members.

The phenomenon of rut in the animal species provides the female with opportunities for natural selection which is of the highest importance