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Mother's boy, also commonly and informally mummy's boy or mama's boy, is a derogatory term for a man seen as having an unhealthy dependence on his mother at an age at which he is expected to be self-reliant (e.g. live on his own, be economically independent). Use of this phrase is first attested in 1901.^[1] The term mama's boy has a connotation of effeminacy and weakness. The counter term, for women, would be daddy's girl (see Electra complex) also possibly involving a father complex.

In Japan, this relationship is called a mother complex (マザーコンプレックス, Mazā Konpurekkusu), often shortened to "MotherCon" (マザコン, Mazakon), in a way similar to "brocon" and "siscon".

In classical Freudian psychoanalytic theory, the term Oedipus complex denotes a child's desire to have sexual relations with the parent of the opposite sex. Sigmund Freud wrote that a child's identification with the same-sex parent is the successful resolution of the Oedipus complex.^[2]^[3] This theory came into the popular consciousness in America in the 1940s, when sociologists and psychiatrists posited that mothers who were either too close or too distant could hamper the psycho-social development of male children, causing any number of conditions such as autism, asthma, schizophrenia, or homosexuality.^[4]

References

^ "EtymOnline". Retrieved 29 January 2020.
^ Charles Rycroft A Critical Dictionary of Psychoanalysis (London, 2nd Ed. 1995)
^ Joseph Childers, Gary Hentzi eds. Columbia Dictionary of Modern Literary and Cultural Criticism (New York: Columbia University Press, 1995)
^ van den Oever, Roel (Sep 24, 2012). Mama's Boy: Momism and Homophobia in Postwar American Culture. Springer. ISBN 978-1137295088. Retrieved 29 January 2020.

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[1] "EtymOnline". Retrieved 29 January 2020.

[2] Charles Rycroft A Critical Dictionary of Psychoanalysis (London, 2nd Ed. 1995)

[JosephChilders-3] Joseph Childers, Gary Hentzi eds. Columbia Dictionary of Modern Literary and Cultural Criticism (New York: Columbia University Press, 1995)

[4] van den Oever, Roel (Sep 24, 2012). Mama's Boy: Momism and Homophobia in Postwar American Culture. Springer. ISBN 978-1137295088. Retrieved 29 January 2020.

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 {{Short description|Man who is excessively attached to his mother}}
 {{Other uses|Mother's Boy (disambiguation){{!}}Mother's Boy}}
+'''Mother's boy''', also commonly and informally '''mummy's boy''' or '''mama's boy''', is a derogatory term for a man seen as having an unhealthy dependence on his [[mother]] at an age at which he is expected to be self-reliant (e.g. live on his own, be economically independent). Use of this phrase is first attested in 1901.<ref>{{cite web |title=EtymOnline |url=https://www.etymonline.com/word/mamma |accessdate=29 January 2020}}</ref> The term mama's boy has a connotation of [[effeminacy]] and weakness. The counter term, for women, would be ''[[wikt:Daddy's girl|daddy's girl]]'' (see [[Electra complex]]) also possibly involving a [[father complex]].
+In Japan, this relationship is called a {{nihongo|'''mother complex'''|マザーコンプレックス|Mazā Konpurekkusu}}, often shortened to {{nihongo|"MotherCon"|マザコン|Mazakon}}, in a way similar to "[[Brother complex|brocon]]" and "[[Sister complex|siscon]]".
-== Introduction ==
-'''Mother's boy''', also commonly and informally '''mummy's boy''' or '''mama's boy''', is a derogatory term for a man seen as having an unhealthy dependence on his [[mother]] at an age at which he is expected to be self-reliant (e.g. live on his own, be economically independent). Use of this phrase is first attested in 1901.<ref>{{cite web |title=EtymOnline |url=https://www.etymonline.com/word/mamma |accessdate=29 January 2020}}</ref> The term mama's boy has a connotation of [[effeminacy]] and weakness. The counter term, for women, would be a [[father complex]].
-In classical Freudian [[Psychoanalysis|psychoanalytic]] theory, the term [[Oedipus complex]] denotes a child's [[Libido|desire]] to have sexual relations with the parent of the opposite sex. [[Sigmund Freud]] wrote that a child's identification with the same-sex parent is the successful resolution of the Oedipus complex.<ref>Charles Rycroft ''A Critical Dictionary of Psychoanalysis'' (London, 2nd Ed. 1995)</ref> This theory came into the [[Popular psychology|popular consciousness]] in America in the 1940s.
+In classical Freudian [[Psychoanalysis|psychoanalytic]] theory, the term [[Oedipus complex]] denotes a child's [[Libido|desire]] to have sexual relations with the parent of the opposite sex. [[Sigmund Freud]] wrote that a child's identification with the same-sex parent is the successful resolution of the Oedipus complex.<ref>Charles Rycroft ''A Critical Dictionary of Psychoanalysis'' (London, 2nd Ed. 1995)</ref><ref name="JosephChilders">Joseph Childers, Gary Hentzi eds. ''Columbia Dictionary of Modern Literary and Cultural Criticism''  (New York: Columbia University Press, 1995)</ref> This theory came into the [[Popular psychology|popular consciousness]] in America in the 1940s, when sociologists and psychiatrists posited that mothers who were either too close or too distant could hamper the psycho-social development of male children, causing any number of conditions such as [[autism]], [[asthma]], [[schizophrenia]], or [[homosexuality]].<ref>{{cite book |last1=van den Oever |first1=Roel |title=Mama's Boy: Momism and Homophobia in Postwar American Culture |date=Sep 24, 2012 |publisher=Springer |isbn=978-1137295088 |url=https://books.google.com/books?id=CptE3MMV4OkC&q=mama%27s+boy&pg=PP1 |accessdate=29 January 2020}}</ref>
-== Psychological Explanations ==
-=== Psychoanalytic Theory ===
-The psychoanalytic theory, often referred to as the [[Psychodynamics|psychodynamic approach]], provides a key psychological explanation for human Gender development.<ref>{{Cite web |title=Theories of Gender Development {{!}} Intro to Communication + Public Speaking |url=https://courses.lumenlearning.com/suny-jeffersoncc-sta101/chapter/theories-of-gender-development/#:~:text=Psychodynamic.,to%20that%20of%20their%20mother. |access-date=2024-03-21 |website=courses.lumenlearning.com}}</ref> 'Gender development' refers to a process in which individuals come to understand and internalise gender-related concepts and roles. It is a gradual formation of cognitive frameworks and [[Schema (psychology)|internal schemas]] in relation to gender dynamics amongst society. <ref>Goist, E. (2023, October 29). ''Gender Development Overview, Theories & Examples.''Study.com. https://study.com/academy/lesson/gender-development-overview-theories.html</ref>
-In the Psychoanalytic theory, Sigmund Freud highlighted the significance of the [[unconscious mind]] in shaping human behaviour and personality. This Freudian perspective emerged in the early 1900's, in which he addressed physical traits such as being a "Mother's boy" by exploring and resolving conflicts within the internal mind. <ref name=":1">Tarzian, M., Ndrio, M., & Fakoya, A. O. (2023). An Introduction and Brief Overview of Psychoanalysis. ''Cureus'', ''15''(9), e45171. https://doi.org/10.7759/cureus.45171</ref>
-[[File:Sigmund Freud, by Max Halberstadt (cropped).jpg|thumb|'''Sigmund Freud, by Max Halberstadt (cropped).jpg''']]
-==== Psychosexual Stages ====
-Freud proposed that child development occurs in five [[Psychosexual development|Psychosexual stages]]- each marked by various conflicts that children must 'overcome' in order to successfully progress onto the next. The Oedipus complex/conflict is encountered in the '[[Phallic stage|Phallic stage']] when children are 3-6 years old <ref name=":1" />- as they begin Gender development. Prior to the Phallic stage, children have no concept nor awareness of gender. This notion is further supported by [https://www.jstor.org/stable/4620693 Kohlberg's theory of Gender development]. <ref>{{Cite web |title=Cognition and gender development |url=https://www.open.edu/openlearn/body-mind/childhood-youth/childhood-and-youth-studies/childhood/cognition-and-gender-development |access-date=2024-03-21 |website=Open Learning |language=en}}</ref>
-==== The Oedipus Complex ====
-The Oedipus complex is defined by a boy's unconscious, incestuous feelings toward his mother. This is accompanied by jealousy and hostility toward his father, whom the boy deems as a [[Sexual jealousy|sexual rival]] for his mother's affection. However, this desire is tempered by the boy's fear of [[retaliation]] from his father, leading to [[Castration anxiety|'castration anxiety']]- when the boy fears he may be castrated by his own father. To resolve and overcome this conflict, the boy typically gives up his love for his mother, and instead begins to identity with his father. This enables him to internalise traits and personalities observed from the same sex parent. <ref name=":2">Boothe, Brigitte . 2017. “(PDF) Oedipus Complex.” ResearchGate. January 2017. [https://www.researchgate.net/publication/315860460_Oedipus_Complex. https://www.researchgate.net/publication/315860460_Oedipus_Complex.]</ref>
-However, if the psychosexual Oedipus conflict remains unresolved, [[Fixation (psychology)|fixation]] can occur, resulting in the child becoming 'stuck' with phallic personality traits into adulthood.<ref name=":2" /> These phallic personality traits are depicted by a man's over dependence on his mother, both emotionally and physically. Freud argues this occurrence is particularly noticeable in cases of absent fathers, where the lack of [[Identification (psychology)|identification]] and [[Internalization (psychology)|internalisation]] with the father causes the boy to seek gender identification with the mother instead <ref>Freeman, Tabitha. 2008. “Psychoanalytic Concepts of Fatherhood: Patriarchal Paradoxes and the Presence of an Absent Authority.” ''Studies in Gender and Sexuality'' 9 (2): 113–39. [[doi:10.1080/15240650801935156.|https://doi.org/10.1080/15240650801935156.]]</ref>- thus leading to what modern society calls a "Mother's boy".
-=== Attachment Theory ===
-Psychologist [[John Bowlby]] and [[Mary Ainsworth]] investigated the emotional bond (reciprocity) formed between infants and their mothers. <ref name=":0">{{Cite journal |last=Ainsworth |first=Mary D. Salter |last2=Bell |first2=Silvia M. |date=1970 |title=Attachment, Exploration, and Separation: Illustrated by the Behavior of One-Year-Olds in a Strange Situation |url=https://www.jstor.org/stable/1127388 |journal=Child Development |volume=41 |issue=1 |pages=49–67 |doi=10.2307/1127388 |issn=0009-3920}}</ref> Attachment theory proposes that in the case of "Mother's boys", their intense dependency on their primary caregiver (the mother) results in a reluctance to assert independence, heightened anxiety in her absence, and difficulty forming and maintaining relationships beyond the [[maternal bond]] upon adulthood. <ref name=":0">{{Cite journal |last=Ainsworth |first=Mary D. Salter |last2=Bell |first2=Silvia M. |date=1970 |title=Attachment, Exploration, and Separation: Illustrated by the Behavior of One-Year-Olds in a Strange Situation |url=https://www.jstor.org/stable/1127388 |journal=Child Development |volume=41 |issue=1 |pages=49–67 |doi=10.2307/1127388 |issn=0009-3920}}</ref>
-In Ainsworth's [[Strange situation|"Strange Situation Experiment"]] in 1970, she explored the long term implications of various attachment styles for adult functioning. She identified three primary attachment styles in children: <ref>Benoit D. (2004). Infant-parent attachment: Definition, types, antecedents, measurement and outcome. ''Paediatrics & child health'', ''9''(8), 541–545. https://doi.org/10.1093/pch/9.8.541</ref>
-# [[Secure attachment]]
-# [[Insecure attachment|Insecure-avoidant attachment]]
-# [[Insecure attachment|Insecure-resistant attachment.]]
-Further studies has indicated that children who develop an insecure attachment style with their mothers especially exhibit difficulties in forming healthy relationships in adulthood. <ref>Michael J. Diamond (2004) The shaping of masculinity: Revisioning boys turning away from their mothers to construct male gender identity, The International Journal of Psychoanalysis, 85:2, 359-379, DOI: 10.1516/U8XV-LG0A-WXNW-1285 https://www.tandfonline.com/doi/abs/10.1516/U8XV-LG0A-WXNW-1285</ref> Additionally, psychologist [[Diana Baumrind]] identified that parenting styles characterised by overprotection and lack of boundaries may exacerbate an insecure attachment style and intensify "Mother's boy" dynamics.<ref>Kuppens, S., & Ceulemans, E. (2019). Parenting Styles: A Closer Look at a Well-Known Concept. ''Journal of child and family studies'', ''28''(1), 168–181. https://doi.org/10.1007/s10826-018-1242-x</ref> Attachment studies therefore highlights the importance of early attachment and parenting styles in shaping individuals' [[Interpersonal relationship|interpersonal behaviour]] and overall psychological well-being.
-== Criticism and Controversies ==
-The term "Mother's boy" is not without its criticisms and controversies due to its potential to [[stigmatise]] males who maintain a close relationship with their mothers. It may enforce existing gender stereotypes that men should be strong and not emotionally reliant on their mothers, which could invalidate their emotional bonds with mothers.
-The Freudian Psychoanalytic theory- in which the term "Mother's boy" stems from, can be largely criticised in [[History of psychology|contemporary psychology]]. Critics argue the theory's speculative nature and reliance on clinical observations lack [[empirical evidence]] and scientific rigour. As his methodology was largely grounded in case studies of the unconscious mind, findings also lack [[falsifiability]].<ref>{{Cite journal |last=Bartlett |first=Francis H. |date=1939 |title=The Limitations of Freud |url=https://www.jstor.org/stable/40399197 |journal=Science & Society |volume=3 |issue=1 |pages=64–105 |issn=0036-8237}}</ref> Moreover, Freud's work only reflects the cultural and historical context of late 19th century Vienna, leading to concerns about [[cultural relativism]] and [[ethnocentrism]].
-Similar limitations can also be identified in Mary Ainsworth's Attachment theory in 1970. Her "Strange Situation" study has been criticised for its ethnocentric bias and lack of [[Universality (philosophy)|universality]]. <ref>Ainsworth, M. D. S. (1978). The Bowlby-Ainsworth attachment theory. ''Behavioral and Brain Sciences'', ''1''(3), 436–438. doi:10.1017/S0140525X00075828 https://www.cambridge.org/core/journals/behavioral-and-brain-sciences/article/abs/bowlbyainsworth-attachment-theory/3915528486A6062F4DBEF0720406C462</ref> [[Meta-analysis|Meta-analyses]] following Ainsworth's research, such as the study by Van IJ & K [https://www.jstor.org/stable/1130396 "Cross-Cultural Patterns of Attachment: A Meta-Analysis of the Strange Situation 1988"] highlighted cultural differences in attachment types- with insecure attachment being more prevalent in collectivist Asian cultures (Japan, China, India) in comparison to the Western individualistic cultures (Germany, UK, USA). <ref>{{Cite journal |last=van IJzendoorn |first=Marinus H. |last2=Kroonenberg |first2=Pieter M. |date=1988 |title=Cross-Cultural Patterns of Attachment: A Meta-Analysis of the Strange Situation |url=https://www.jstor.org/stable/1130396 |journal=Child Development |volume=59 |issue=1 |pages=147–156 |doi=10.2307/1130396 |issn=0009-3920}}</ref>
-== Cultural and Media Depictions ==
-The term "Mother's boy" is perceived differently across cultures and media representations due to varying cultural attitudes towards masculinity and gender roles of males in society.
-Although the term "Mother's boy" carries negative connotations in Western cultures, in contrast, Asian cultures- including those in countries like India, Pakistan, and China often place a strong emphasis on family values and [[filial piety]] (the virtue of showing respect for one's parents and elders). Sons are traditionally expected to show respect and obedience to their mothers as a sign of familial honour due to the mother's traditional gender role of being a homemaker. <ref>Cambridge Dictionary. 2024. “Filial Piety.” @CambridgeWords. March 20, 2024. [https://dictionary.cambridge.org/dictionary/english/filial-piety#google_vignette. https://dictionary.cambridge.org/dictionary/english/filial-piety#google_vignette.]</ref>
-==== Notable Examples in Media ====
-This was portrayed in a [[Netflix]] TV sitcom- [[Never Have I Ever (TV series)|"Never Have I Ever" 2020,]] where character Devi Vishwakumar is rejected by her love interest Des- as his mother disapproves of their relationship. Stating "Look, Devi, you’re cool and all, but, dating you isn’t worth angering my mom. I mean, she still pays for my phone.”
-The "Mother's boy" phenomenon is also comically portrayed in other popular [[Sitcom|TV sitcoms]] such as [[The Big Bang Theory|"The Big Bang Theory" 2007]]- Starring [[Simon Helberg]] as character [[Howard Wolowitz|"Howard Wolowiz"]], a man who still lives with his mother in his late 20's. Howard's relationship with his overbearing mother is a recurring source of humour. His constant need for his mother's approval and his reluctance to fully separate from her highlights the stereotype of the "Mother's boy" in western culture.
-More famously, in 1960's American horror film [[Psycho (1960 film)|"Psycho"]] and [[Bates Motel (film)|"Bates Model" 1987]], [[Norman Bates|Norman's]] intense and unhealthy relationship with his mother depicts the dark side of being a "Mother's Boy". Norman's deep emotional attachment to his mother, coupled with her extreme influence, contributes to his descent into madness and eventual transformation into an infamous killer in the film.
-Overall, the term "Mother's boy" reflects the complex dynamics observed in mother-son relationships amongst Western society.
-== See also ==
+==See also==
 * [[Human bonding]]
 * [[Norman Bates]] – fictional serial killer codependent on his mother
 * [[Jewish mother stereotype]]
-* [[Oedipus complex]]
-* [[Sigmund Freud]]
-* [[Attachment theory|Attachment Theory]]
-* [[Mary Ainsworth]]
-* [[John Bowlby]]
-* [[Romantic relationship|Romantic relationships]]
 ==References==