In Adler's explanation of organ inferiority, Adler emphasized

• A. The subjective experience of the child.
• B. Biological deficiency of organs.
• C. Social status determining factor.
• D. Genetic inheritance.

Answer: (A)

Organ inferiority centers on the child's subjective experience of weakness and the drive to compensate. Adler argues that feelings of inferiority arise from how the child perceives their own body and abilities, not from any actual medical deficiency. This internal experience—how weak or inadequate one feels—shapes goals, motivation, and personality development as the child strives to overcome perceived shortcomings. The emphasis is on meaning and motivation created by the individual’s perception within their social context, not on objective physical problems.

Why this matters: if a child feels inferior, they may channel that feeling into constructive striving for mastery and social contribution, or, if unmanaged, into unhealthy compensation. The other ideas move focus away from the personal experience that drives these motivational patterns—biological defects would imply the problem lies in the body rather than in perception; social status as the determinant shifts attention to external ranking rather than inner experience; and genetic inheritance foregrounds heredity over personal interpretation and purpose in life.