Which belief was established by Carol Gilligan in relation to moral development?

Carol Gilligan is well-known for her work on moral development, particularly in her critique of the traditional theories that predominantly emphasized a justice-oriented approach to morality. Her research highlighted that women often approach moral dilemmas from a different perspective, one that emphasizes relationships and the importance of care for others. This perspective is encapsulated in the concept of the "morality of care."

Gilligan argued that while the morality of justice, which focuses on principles of fairness, rights, and laws, is significant, it does not fully capture the moral reasoning commonly found in women’s experiences. Instead, she proposed that moral development is also shaped by an ethic of care that prioritizes compassion, empathy, and the maintenance of relationships. This framework acknowledges that individuals are often motivated by a desire to care for and maintain important interpersonal connections, especially in decision-making scenarios.

Therefore, the belief that Gilligan established centers around the idea that moral development encompasses not only the morality of justice but also the morality of care, reflecting a more relational and interdependent understanding of ethics.