Feminists generally regard this theory as sexist. In turn, feminists themselves have been accused of suffering from penis envy, as traditionally masculine traits have been valued over feminine ones by many 20th Century and 21st Century feminists. Historically, feminists have explained that penis envy existed as the result of a male-dominated patriarchy, and "penis envy" was the understandable frustration and desire to participate in the power structure, which oppressed women. Women were denied entry into business and academia, and medicine a ...
