An empirical test of the female castration complex.

This study investigated the psychoanalytic hypothesis that intensity of the female castration complex (FCC) is greater in women with a masculine social role than in those with a feminine social role. Ss were normal, collegeeducated women, ages 30-55, divided into 2 groups: 26 career women (CW), unmarried, and in masculine occupations; and 25 homemakers, married, with 2 or more children, and not employed outside the home. The CW scored significantly higher on an overall measure of the FCC based on the Rorschach. The hypothesis was thus supported. The CW also scored significantly higher on 3 of the 8 individual components of the FCC (Penis Envy, High Activity, and High Need for Achievement). Some theoretical implications are discussed.