ABSTRACT
J. S. Kestenberg explores the “seemingly divergent” theories of the role of the vagina in early development. She sees struggles between mechanisms leading to the rejection of the vagina and enhancing penis envy, as well as ways and means of early preparation for the feminine role as traced back to childhood. In her discussion of the “early maternal stage of development”, Kestenberg describes the little girl’s use of doll play to master what she feels as “attacks on the inside,” as a result of abdominal pressures that had been experienced as “overwhelming to the ego.” As the maternal introject is “absorbed,” it helps to structuralize various ego systems such as the integrative and executive systems. The executive apparatus expands and acquires further techniques of mastery by incorporating the functional maternal introject. The women discussed function well in their professional lives. They appear feminine in dress and mannerisms, yet have a difficult time in the area of female relationships, in particular.
