What is a primary characteristic of the phallic stage according to Freud?

The primary characteristic of the phallic stage, according to Freud, is indeed the development of the Oedipal complex. This stage typically occurs between the ages of three and six years. During this period, children become aware of their bodies and develop a fascination with the differences between genders. Freud posited that boys experience feelings of desire for their mothers and jealousy toward their fathers, which he termed the Oedipal complex. This complex is a vital element of Freud's theory of psychosexual development.

The emergence of this complex is pivotal in how a child navigates familial relationships and ultimately contributes to the formation of their gender identity and moral beliefs later in life. It plays a crucial role in childhood development as it influences the development of the superego, the component of personality that holds our moral standards.

In contrast, feelings of inferiority are more closely associated with the latency stage, while the overemphasis on social relationships pertains to the developmental challenges presented during the social stages of development. Exploring psychosocial identity aligns more with Erikson’s theory, which extends beyond Freud’s psychosexual stages. Thus, the focus on the Oedipal complex accurately captures the essence of the phallic stage within Freud's framework.