Perversion is a misunderstanding.
Freud's perspective of sexuality might be a comfort to anyone who has ever felt sexually tempted to do something one considers to be immoral, or which is strictly illegal. Freud's point of view is not that only evil people have broken desires—he feels everyone has broken desires on their way to succeeding in their "sexual aim," and when people wrongly decide to use an object for their sexual purposes which is not healthy or socially acceptable, that is where the behavior becomes perverted, in light of Freud's opinion.
Children experience latent sexuality.
Freud mentions child sexuality in his essays, following an explanation of pedophilia in the previous essay. He feels that children experience a preter-sexual experience that is pure and erotic like adult sexuality—which means it is carnal to the children, and they are overwhelmed by it—but it is not sexual in any way. Without any sexual knowledge or bodily capabilities, the children are left to suspect through emotions that in the future, they will fulfill in satiating a certain erotic thirst that they don't understand. Freud says that puberty is the process by which these latent, confusing erotic urges finally have their bloom and expression, and he feels the first time those childhood dreams are fulfilled is when one has a loving sexual experience with one's new mate.
Regressive sexuality is dangerous to self and others.
Instead of warmly encouraging the experimental, sometimes awkward, often embarrassing process of becoming sexually mature, many people are repressed when they start believing things in their self-esteem that cause them to feel shameful any time some new feeling emerges. Without working through their impulses, they avoid them, and the impulses grow and grow until regressive states of sexuality emerge. These are the ones who, in a fit of insanity, could commit heinous crimes in the pursuit of what Freud calls in his first essay, their sexual intention, or their "sexual aim."
The Oedipus Complex
The Oedipus complex, a central theme in Freud's psychoanalytic theory, involves a child's triangular desire between themselves, the opposite-sex parent, and the same-sex parent during the phallic stage of development. It encompasses both attraction and rivalry as the child desires the opposite-sex parent but views the same-sex parent as a competitor for affection. To resolve this, the child identifies with the same-sex parent, adopting their gender roles and forming their gender identity. Successful resolution requires accepting cultural norms and taboos surrounding incestuous desires and has implications for adult relationships and personality development.
Sexual development and neuroses
The theme of sexual development and neuroses in Freud's work explores how unresolved conflicts during psychosexual development can lead to neuroses—psychological disorders marked by anxiety and maladaptive behaviors in adulthood. These conflicts, such as the Oedipus complex, can manifest as symptoms like phobias or obsessive behaviors. Freud's psychoanalysis aims to uncover and address these hidden conflicts through therapy to alleviate neuroses and promote mental well-being, highlighting the link between early sexual development and psychological health.
Normal vs Pathological sexuality
The theme of normal vs. pathological sexuality in Freud's work involves distinguishing between typical and abnormal sexual expressions. Freud considered culturally conforming behaviors as "normal" and deviations as "pathological." He argued that unresolved conflicts and repressed desires could lead to abnormal sexual behaviors. However, modern perspectives emphasize consent, well-being, and the absence of harm over rigid definitions of normality. Freud's exploration highlights the evolving understanding of sexual health and the importance of a non-pathologizing approach to sexual diversity.
