Leyte Normal University

College of Arts and Sciences

Bachelor of Science in Social Work
Tacloban, City

A Comprehensive Report of:

Moral Development Theory by Carol Gilligan’s

Submitted by:

John Mark M. Daradal

BSSW AS1-2

Submitted to:

Hundangan, Roselyn C., RSW

Instructor
 I. Introduction.

The moral development theory of Carol Gilligan had a considerable impact on the
subject of ethics and offered an alternate viewpoint to conventional methods. Gilligan's
theory opposes the prevalent justice-centered frameworks put out by theorists like
Lawrence Kohlberg since it is grounded on feminist ideas and the ethics of caring.
Gilligan provides a more thorough view of moral development by highlighting the need
of connections, empathy, and care in moral reasoning. This perspective takes into
account the intricacies of human interactions and ethical decision-making. This
comprehensive paper tries to examine the major ideas of Gilligan's theory, such as the
phases of moral reasoning, gender disparities in moral growth, and the ethics of caring.
It also addresses the empirical evidence in support of Gilligan's theory, objections made
to it, and the practical applications of her work in the social justice, parenting, and
educational movements. This study explores Gilligan's theory in an effort to advance a
more inclusive and complex view of ethics in modern culture and to add to the current
conversation about moral development.

II. Early Influences on Gilligan’s Theory

One of the significant early influences on Carol Gilligan's moral development theory was
her critique of Lawrence Kohlberg's justice-centered approach. Gilligan challenged
Kohlberg's theory for its male-centered perspective, limited consideration of care and
relationships in moral reasoning, and the underrepresentation of women's moral voices.
She argued that Kohlberg's framework did not adequately capture the ethical
complexities that arise from caring relationships and empathetic responses. Additionally,
Gilligan was influenced by feminist perspectives, which emphasized the importance of
inclusivity, diverse perspectives, and the recognition of care ethics in moral
development. These early influences laid the foundation for Gilligan's groundbreaking
work, leading her to develop a theory that centered on the ethics of care and challenged
the prevailing assumptions of moral development theories at the time.

Furthermore, Gilligan's work was influenced by the broader feminist movement, which
sought to challenge and dismantle traditional gender roles and hierarchies. Feminist
perspectives highlighted the unique experiences and moral perspectives of women,
shedding light on the value of care, empathy, and interconnectedness in moral
reasoning. These perspectives emphasized the importance of considering the relational
and contextual aspects of ethical decision-making, advocating for a more inclusive and
holistic approach to understanding morality. Gilligan's engagement with feminist theories
and her recognition of the need to incorporate care ethics into moral development
theory significantly shaped her conceptualization of moral reasoning, further
distinguishing her work from conventional approaches in the field.

III. Key Concepts of Gilligan’s Theory

 Ethics of Care

The ethics of care, a central concept in Carol Gilligan's moral development theory, is an
ethical framework that prioritizes relationships, empathy, and interdependence in moral
decision-making. Unlike traditional ethical theories that emphasize abstract principles or
justice-centered approaches, the ethics of care focuses on the significance of
interconnectedness and the well-being of others. It recognizes the inherent value of
caring for others and promotes a moral orientation rooted in empathy, compassion, and
responsiveness to the needs of individuals and communities. The ethics of care
challenges the notion of detached and impartial reasoning, instead emphasizing the
importance of contextual understanding and considering the impact of actions on
relational dynamics. It offers a unique perspective that highlights the fundamental role of
care and relationships in shaping ethical judgments and actions.

 Justice-based Morality

Justice-based morality refers to an ethical framework that emphasizes the principles of

fairness, impartiality, and adherence to rules and laws in moral decision-making. It is
often associated with theories such as Lawrence Kohlberg's stages of moral
development, which propose a hierarchical progression of moral reasoning based on
the application of abstract principles. Justice-based morality places significant value on
upholding individual rights, treating people equally, and promoting the ideal of justice in
society. It focuses on principles such as justice, equality, and respect for autonomy,
which serve as guiding factors in determining the rightness or wrongness of actions.

In justice-based morality, moral judgments are primarily based on the rational

assessment of universal principles or rules. It aims to ensure that individuals are treated
fairly and that actions are guided by consistent and objective criteria. The emphasis on
justice reflects a belief in the importance of individual rights, social contracts, and the
equal distribution of resources and opportunities. Justice-based morality seeks to create
a just and orderly society by establishing clear rules and guidelines that apply to all
individuals, irrespective of their personal relationships or emotional ties. While justice-
based approaches have made significant contributions to our understanding of morality,
critics argue that they may overlook the relational and contextual aspects of ethical
decision-making, as well as the importance of empathy, care, and interdependence in
moral reasoning.

 Care-based Morality

Care-based morality, also known as the ethics of care, is an ethical framework that
prioritizes empathy, relationships, and the interconnectedness of individuals in moral
decision-making. It challenges the traditional emphasis on abstract principles and rules
and recognizes the significance of caring for others as a foundational aspect of moral
life. Care-based morality emphasizes the importance of understanding and responding
to the needs, emotions, and vulnerabilities of others, particularly those in vulnerable or
dependent positions. It places value on qualities such as empathy, compassion,
nurturance, and responsiveness, which guide moral judgments and actions.

In care-based morality, moral reasoning is rooted in concrete, situated relationships and

contextual understanding. It recognizes that caring relationships are central to human
existence and that ethical responsibilities are shaped by the interconnectedness of
individuals within these relationships. Care-based morality highlights the moral
significance of attending to the well-being and relational dynamics of others, advocating
for acts of compassion, support, and care. This approach challenges traditional notions
of impartiality and detachment, emphasizing the importance of considering the
particularities of individual situations and the unique needs and perspectives of those
involved. Critics argue that care-based morality may be susceptible to partiality or bias,
but proponents argue that it offers a more holistic and inclusive perspective that
acknowledges the complexity and interdependence of human lives.
IV. Stages of Ethics of Care

 Pre-conventional stage

A person in this stage cares for oneself to ensure survival. Individuals in this stage tend
to prioritize their own needs and desires while making moral judgments, driven by self-
interest and personal gain. Though the person’s attitude is selfish, this is the transition
phase, where the person finds the connection between oneself and others.

Example: Two friends Amy & Ella are playing at recess when a bully
approaches Ella to start a fight in the pre-conventional stage Amy runaway
leaving Ella behind because she is concerned with her safety and worries
getting in trouble for fight at school.

 Conventional stage

In this stage, the person feels responsible and shows care towards other people. Carol
Gilligan believes that this moral thinking can be identified in the role of a mother and a
wife. This sometimes leads to the ignorance of the self.

Example: Amy might start fighting the bully herself to protect her friend
neglecting her own safety for her friend safety.

 Post-conventional stage

This is the stage, where the principle of care for self as well as others, is accepted.
However, a section of people may never reach this level.

Example: Amy might try to intervene and stop any fighting from occurring.

V. Conclusion

In conclusion, Carol Gilligan's moral development theory, with its emphasis on the ethics
of care and the recognition of gender differences in moral reasoning, has made
significant contributions to our understanding of human morality. By critiquing the
justice-centered approach and highlighting the importance of care, relationships, and
empathy in moral decision-making, Gilligan offers a more comprehensive and inclusive
framework for understanding moral development. Her theory challenges the notion of a
universal, gender-neutral moral framework and emphasizes the significance of context,
relationships, and interdependence in ethical reasoning.

Gilligan's theory has practical implications across various domains, including education,
parenting, and social justice movements. It calls for nurturing caring relationships in
educational settings, challenging gender bias, and promoting an ethic of care in
parenting practices. Moreover, it provides a lens through which social justice
movements can consider the importance of care and empathy in addressing systemic
inequalities and promoting a more compassionate and just society.

According to Carol Gilligan's theory of moral development, individuals can indeed

regress to earlier stages of moral reasoning under certain circumstances. While the
 general expectation is that individuals progress through the stages of moral
development, it is possible for someone to revert to a previous stage temporarily or in
response to specific situations or challenges.

Factors such as personal stress, trauma, conflicting moral dilemmas, or cultural

influences can contribute to a temporary regression in moral reasoning. For example, a
person who has reached the postconventional stage may temporarily resort to more
self-centered thinking when faced with a particularly challenging ethical decision or
when experiencing personal hardship.

It's important to note that moral development is not a linear or irreversible process.
People can move back and forth between stages depending on the context and their
individual circumstances. However, the goal of moral development theories is to
promote growth and encourage individuals to operate at higher stages of moral
reasoning more consistently.

VI. References

Gilligan, C. (1982). In a Different Voice: Psychological Theory and Women's

Development. Harvard University Press.

Gilligan, C., & Attanucci, J. (1988). Two moral orientations: Gender differences and
similarities. Merrill-Palmer Quarterly, 34(3), 223-237.

Gilligan, C. (1988). Mapping the moral domain: A contribution of women's thinking to

psychological theory and education. Harvard Educational Review, 58(1), 1-23.

Walker, L. J. (2013). Carol Gilligan's ethics of care: Contributions and implications for
moral psychology. Review of General Psychology, 17(2), 129-140.

https://feministvoices.com/profiles/carol-gilligan

https://www.goodtherapy.org/famous-psychologists/carol-
gilligan.html#:~:text=Gilligan's%20work%20on%20moral%20development,to
%20develop%20morality%20in%20stages.

https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=HctzZwwueL4