Final Answer:
Karen Horney believed that the view that girls feel inferior to boys was based on societal and cultural influences.
Step-by-step explanation:
Karen Horney, a prominent psychoanalyst, challenged Freudian theories on female development, particularly the notion that girls inherently feel inferior to boys. She argued that this perception wasn't an inherent biological difference but rather a product of societal and cultural influences. Horney believed that cultural norms and expectations, rooted in patriarchal structures, fostered a sense of inferiority in girls.
Horney emphasized the impact of societal pressures and gender roles on shaping individuals' psyches. She contended that the cultural bias favoring male attributes and accomplishments contributed to the perceived inferiority of girls. Horney also explored how cultural expectations of femininity, such as passivity and dependence, influenced girls' self-perception. In essence, she rejected the idea of an inherent inferiority in girls, asserting that it was a learned response to societal norms rather than a biologically predetermined characteristic.
Furthermore, Horney's theories align with the broader feminist critique of gender inequality, challenging the traditional view that posited inherent differences in abilities between males and females. By attributing the perceived inferiority of girls to cultural factors, Horney advocated for a more nuanced understanding of gender development, one that considered the role of societal influences in shaping individuals' self-perception and behavior.