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The '''[[phallic ]] [[stage]]''' is the [[third ]] of [[Freud]]'s [[psychosexual stages]], when [[awareness ]] of and manipulation of the genitals is supposed to be a primary source of [[pleasure]]. In this stage the [[child ]] deals with the [[Oedipus complex]], if [[male]], or the [[Electra complex]], if [[female]]. According to Freud, this stage first occurs around the age of five and a half years.

Freud believed that it was [[natural ]] for female [[children ]] in this stage to focus on the [[clitoris]] as their primary [[organ ]] for [[sexual ]] pleasure. He believed that upon reaching [[adulthood ]] and sexual maturity, a female's primary sexual focus shifts to the [[vagina]]. There is considerable criticism regarding this [[theory]], as it portrays [[adult ]] [[women ]] who continue to [[enjoy ]] and/or [[orgasm]] from clitoral stimulation as having not reached [[full ]] sexual maturity.