Carol Gilligan

Definition

Carol Gilligan is an American feminist, ethicist, and psychologist best known for her work on moral development and ethical relationships through a lens of gender differences. Her critique of Lawrence Kohlberg's stages of moral development led to her developing an alternative model that emphasizes the role of care in moral reasoning.

Related terms

Moral Development: The process through which individuals evolve their understanding of what is right and wrong, typically progressing through identifiable stages.

Ethics of Care: A theory that emphasizes interpersonal relationships and care or benevolence as a virtue in ethical decision-making.

Gender Differences in Psychology: Refers to distinctions in behavior, cognition, and emotional expression between males and females due to biological, social, and cultural factors