How were Karen Horney's theories different from Sigmund Freud's?

Karen Horney's theories represented a significant departure from Sigmund Freud's perspectives, particularly regarding the understanding of women. Horney rejected Freud's portrayal of women as inherently inferior or defined by their anatomy, as exemplified by the concept of "penis envy." Instead, she argued that women's experiences and feelings are shaped more by cultural and social factors rather than biological determinism. Horney believed that societal influences and the roles women are expected to play contribute more to their psychological development. This shift emphasized a more nuanced and constructive view of femininity, suggesting that women's issues are rooted in sociocultural contexts rather than a deficiency or pathology. Thus, her rejection of Freud's negative view of women is a core component of her theoretical contributions to psychology.