From natural difference to moral difference between the sexes: a Freudian perspective

Abstract

This article presents a map of sexual difference in order to reflect on Western socio-historical traits that have repercussions in the elaboration of the Freudian theory on modern sexuality. It is noticed that the discourse concerning the natural difference between the sexes is recent, reason why we should not treat it naturally. It is understood that the assumptions that enabled the birth of psychoanalysis do not escape scientific attempts to establish the nature of male and female sexualities. However, by shifting the focus of sexuality from the biological to the psychic, Freud operates a reading that shows the marks of a moral discourse that was shown in the construction of social bonds between genders.