A brief survey is given of the literature concerning the phallic phase and the development of the oedipal feelings in the psycho-sexual development of the girl. The reasons for the apparent opposition between the Vienna and the London schools are discussed. Activity — both sexual and social — seems to be harder to preserve in the development of the girl due to: 1 — narcissistic injury due to the inevitable phallic castration complex; 2 — disappointment in the relation with the first love object: the mother; 3 — blockade of anal-sadistic impulses due to idealization of the father. Anthropological and social factors are briefly mentioned. It is stressed that the oedipal situation is prolonged (unlike that of the boy) until resolution of the longed-for 'fertilizing rape' by a real experience, in which both vaginal responsiveness and longing for a child are important and female activity and autonomy in relation to both parents may be fully attained.