Case Studies in Development of Masculinity and Femininity in Male Children

Abstract

This paper presents case data on the fathers of boys who display feminine behavior and who express the wish, fantasy or desire to become little girls. Although not physically absent from the home, these fathers were non-participants psychologically. The quality of their relationship with their boys, their own personality needs, and the nature of the relationship between mother and child provide the major basis for the boys' difficulty in achieving an adequate masculine identity and displaying feminine behavior and interests.