Question

Analyse Karen Horney's interest on the social foundation of personality.

Answer 1

Karen Horney focused on the social foundations of personality, emphasizing that excessive need for affection can lead to neurotic behavior. She believed that a child's hostile response to rejection from parents, when suppressed due to social norms, can cause anxiety and emotional distress, potentially leading to neuroses.

Horney argued that cultural differences influence how behaviors are perceived. What’s considered neurotic in one culture may be normal in another. She also challenged traditional gender roles, stating that society, not biology, shapes gender differences. She argued that both genders possess qualities admired by the other and are equal in worth.

Contrary to Freud’s theory of penis envy, Horney believed women’s feelings of inferiority stem from the social power granted to men, not biology. She emphasized that psychological issues arise from disturbed interpersonal relationships, particularly with parents.

When parents are cold or neglectful, the child experiences basic anxiety, leading to insecurity and hostility. Horney identified three coping strategies:

1. Moving toward people (seeking approval).
2. Moving against people (aggression).
3. Moving away from people (withdrawal).