Carol Gilligan

Definition

Carol Gilligan is a prominent psychologist known for her work on moral development and ethics, particularly in relation to gender differences. She challenged Lawrence Kohlberg's theory of moral development, arguing that it was predominantly based on male perspectives and failed to consider the moral reasoning of women. Gilligan's emphasis on care ethics has greatly influenced the understanding of gender and morality in educational settings.

5 Must Know Facts For Your Next Test

1. Gilligan's key work, 'In a Different Voice,' published in 1982, introduced her critique of Kohlberg's theory, presenting an alternative perspective on moral development.
2. She proposed that women tend to approach moral issues with an emphasis on relationships and care, while men often focus more on justice and rules.
3. Gilligan's research has been influential in feminist psychology and education, highlighting the need for educational practices that recognize diverse moral perspectives.
4. Her ideas helped pave the way for discussions about gender equity in education and how traditional curricula may overlook or undervalue female perspectives.
5. Gilligan's concept of an ethics of care challenges the traditional notions of morality by suggesting that care and empathy are essential components of ethical decision-making.

Review Questions

• How did Carol Gilligan's views on moral development differ from those of Lawrence Kohlberg?
  • Carol Gilligan argued that Kohlberg's model was biased towards male perspectives and primarily focused on justice-based reasoning. She highlighted that women often approach moral dilemmas with a focus on relationships and care, which she believed was undervalued in Kohlberg's stages. This difference emphasized the need to consider various approaches to moral reasoning, leading to a broader understanding of ethics.
• Discuss the implications of Gilligan's research for educational practices regarding gender differences in moral reasoning.
  • Gilligan's research suggests that educational practices should recognize and value different styles of moral reasoning based on gender. By incorporating care ethics into curricula, educators can create an inclusive environment that respects diverse perspectives. This approach fosters empathy and collaboration among students, ultimately leading to a more holistic educational experience that supports all learners.
• Evaluate the impact of Carol Gilligan’s work on contemporary discussions around gender and ethics in education.
  • Carol Gilligan’s work has significantly impacted contemporary discussions surrounding gender and ethics by advocating for the inclusion of women's voices in moral discourse. Her critique of traditional theories prompted educators and psychologists to reassess how gender influences moral reasoning and ethical decision-making. As a result, there is now greater emphasis on creating educational environments that nurture diverse perspectives, ultimately promoting equity and understanding among students of all genders.

Related terms

Kohlberg's Stages of Moral Development: A theory proposed by Lawrence Kohlberg that outlines the stages individuals progress through as they develop moral reasoning, primarily focusing on justice and rights.

Ethics of Care: A moral perspective that emphasizes the importance of interpersonal relationships and the context of care, often associated with female moral reasoning according to Gilligan.

Gender Schema Theory: A cognitive theory that explains how individuals learn about gender roles and how these roles influence their perceptions and behaviors in society.