Morality, Gender, and Carol Gilligan

Definition

Carol Gilligan is a psychologist who criticized Kohlberg's theory for being male-centric. She proposed that women have different moral perspectives, focusing more on care and relationships rather than justice.

Analogy

If Kohlberg's theory is a black-and-white movie, Gilligan's perspective adds color. She doesn't negate the original picture but adds more depth and nuance by highlighting the importance of empathy and care in moral decisions.

Related terms

Ethic of Care: A perspective on ethics that emphasizes interconnectedness, caring for others, and maintaining relationships as fundamental to ethical decision making.

Gender Differences in Morality: The concept that men and women may differ in their moral perspectives due to socialization or biological factors.

Feminist Ethics: An approach to ethics that seeks to address gender inequality by emphasizing the importance of traditionally feminine values like compassion and nurturing.