According to Carol Gilligan, which ethical perspective are women more likely to take?

Carol Gilligan's work on moral development highlighted the differences in ethical reasoning between men and women. She proposed that women are more likely to adopt an ethical perspective centered around caring and relationships. This approach emphasizes the importance of empathy, compassion, and connectedness with others, reflecting a relational orientation.

This perspective contrasts with more traditionally male-associated approaches, which often prioritize justice, rules, and autonomy. Gilligan argued that women tend to view moral dilemmas not just in terms of abstract principles, but also in the context of personal relationships and the impacts on others. Therefore, the caring perspective recognizes the value of maintaining relationships and considering the emotional consequences of one's actions on others, making it a nuanced and relationship-focused approach to ethics.

Gilligan's research emphasizes that understanding these different perspectives is crucial for a comprehensive view of moral development across genders, illustrating that both justice and care are valuable but may be prioritized differently depending on one's gendered experiences.