Image for Gilligan's theory of moral development (Carol Gilligan)

Gilligan's theory of moral development (Carol Gilligan)

Carol Gilligan’s theory of moral development suggests that people think about right and wrong differently, often based on whether they focus on relationships and caring or on justice and rules. She argues that women tend to emphasize caring and keeping connections in their moral reasoning, while men traditionally focus more on fairness and rights. Gilligan believes that moral growth involves balancing these perspectives and understanding that caring for others is a crucial part of morality. Her theory highlights the importance of empathy, responsibility, and relationship awareness in moral development.