The phallic stage (sometimes referred to as the “genital stage”) is the third in Freud's triad of “oral”, “anal” and “phallic” and consists of the period when the child's erotic inclinations are organised around the genitals. This phase is seen at the culmination and dissolution of the Oedipus complex and, despite its masculine name, includes females.

To read more on this phase, please see our commentary on the Castration Complex, the Oedipus Complex and Female Sexuality.

To read more on this phase, please see our commentary on the Castration Complex, the Oedipus Complex and Female Sexuality.

Generally in Freud's work the “phallus” and the “penis” are used as if interchangeably, and although commentators now note a tendency for the “phallus” to signify the

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Citation: Editors, Litencyc. "The Phallic Stage". The Literary Encyclopedia. First published 24 October 2005 [https://www.litencyc.com/php/stopics.php?rec=true&UID=1614, accessed 23 November 2024.]