Karen Horney: Education and youth

In 1904 Horney’s parents divorced, her mother vacating their residence with both children. Soon thereafter, in 1906, Horney entered medical school at the University of Freiburg — despite the fact both parents were unsupportive of the idea, as was opinion within contemporary society at the time. The University of Freiburg was in fact one of the first institutions throughout Germany to enroll women in medical courses — with higher education only becoming available to women in Germany in 1900. By 1908, Horney had transferred to the University of Göttingen, and would transfer once more to the University of Berlin before her graduation in 1913.

Karen Horney: Early life

Karen Horney (pronounced “horn-eye”) was born Karen Danielsen on September 16, 1885 in Hamburg. Her father, Berndt Wackels Danielson, was a ship’s captain, an authoritarian, and religious (his children nicknamed him “the Bible-thrower” for his actions). Her mother, Clotilde (known as “Sonni”) was very different, being much more urbane than Berndt. Karen’s older brother was also named Berndt, and Karen cared for him deeply. She also had four elder half-siblings from her father’s previous marriage

Karen Horney

Karen Horney (pronounced “horn-eye”, /hɔrnaɪ/), born Danielsen (September 16, 1885 – December 4, 1952) was a German psychodynamic psychologist (or at that time, psychoanalyst) of Norwegian and Dutch descent. Her theories questioned some traditional Freudian views, particularly his theory of sexuality, as well as the instinct orientation of psychoanalysis and its genetic psychology. As such, she is often classified as Neo-Freudian.

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