The Concept of ‘Castration’ in Dolto’s Work
Françoise Dolto, one of the most influential figures in child psychoanalysis, reinterpreted many classical psychoanalytic concepts through the lens of her deep respect for the subjectivity of the child. Among these concepts is the idea of “castration”, a term originally rooted in Freudian theory, which Dolto reframed to enrich our understanding of child development, identity, and the symbolic structures that shape a child’s experience.
In Freudian psychoanalysis, the concept of castration refers to a child’s early experiences of loss, limitation, or the realization of difference, particularly during the Oedipal phase. Freud used the term metaphorically to describe a child’s discovery that they are not all-powerful and must navigate boundaries set by family, culture, and biology. For boys, this is traditionally tied to anxiety about losing the penis, while for girls, it relates to the discovery of anatomical difference and feelings of lack.
Dolto took this concept and broadened its meaning beyond strict biological or anatomical terms. For Dolto, castration represents the child’s encounter with the limits of their desire. It is the symbolic moment when the child recognizes that they are not the center of the world, that their wishes are not omnipotent, and that they must live within the structure of relationships, laws, and language. Castration, in Dolto’s vision, is not simply about fear or loss; it is a necessary step in the construction of the child’s identity and social belonging.
Dolto emphasized that this symbolic experience of castration is essential for healthy development. It allows the child to move from a fantasy of omnipotence to a position where they can accept difference, frustration, and the reality of other people’s desires. Through this process, the child learns to respect boundaries, develop empathy, and form meaningful connections. Rather than a purely traumatic event, Dolto saw symbolic castration as a liberating moment that opens the path to language, creativity, and participation in the shared world.
Importantly, Dolto’s interpretation of castration highlights the role of language and truth in helping the child navigate this stage. She believed that children benefit from honest, age-appropriate communication about the realities of their bodies, family dynamics, and the limits they will encounter in life. By offering clear, respectful explanations rather than secrecy or misleading stories, adults can help children integrate the experience of castration in a way that supports emotional security rather than anxiety or confusion.
Dolto also linked the concept of castration to her theory of the unconscious body image. She argued that how a child experiences the limitations of their body, and how adults reflect this back to them through words and actions, shapes their self-image and sense of identity. Helping children process these experiences with empathy and clarity supports their ability to accept their bodies, their place in the world, and the realities of human relationships.
Today, Dolto’s expanded view of castration informs many therapeutic and educational practices. It reminds professionals that moments when children confront limits whether through sibling rivalry, discipline, or social challenges are opportunities for growth if handled with sensitivity and respect.
The Approach at Kintess
At Kintess, we embrace Françoise Dolto’s understanding of symbolic castration as a vital step in child development. We support children as they encounter life’s natural limits, helping them process these moments through honest dialogue and empathetic guidance. Our educators and counselors create safe spaces where children can explore their feelings about difference, boundaries, and relationships, building resilience and a positive sense of self. In line with Dolto’s vision, we view these experiences not as sources of shame or fear, but as important milestones on the path to emotional maturity and social belonging.