# Carol Gilligan

> American feminist, ethicist, and psychologist

**Wikidata**: [Q284025](https://www.wikidata.org/wiki/Q284025)  
**Wikipedia**: [English](https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Carol_Gilligan)  
**Source**: https://4ort.xyz/entity/carol-gilligan

## Summary
Carol Gilligan is an American feminist, ethicist, and psychologist known for her groundbreaking work in gender studies and feminist theory. She is best recognized for her critique of moral development theories and her influential book *In a Different Voice*, which challenged traditional psychological frameworks by highlighting gender differences in ethical reasoning.

## Biography
- **Born**: November 28, 1936
- **Nationality**: United States
- **Education**:
  - Radcliffe College (BA)
  - Harvard University (PhD in Psychology)
- **Known for**: Feminist ethics, gender studies, and the development of care ethics
- **Employer(s)**:
  - Harvard University
  - New York University
  - University of Cambridge
- **Field(s)**: Psychology, Feminist Theory, Gender Studies

## Contributions
Carol Gilligan is renowned for her critique of Lawrence Kohlberg's theory of moral development, arguing that it was biased toward male perspectives. Her 1982 book *In a Different Voice* introduced the concept of "care ethics," emphasizing relational and contextual moral reasoning, which contrasted with Kohlberg's justice-based framework. This work became foundational in feminist ethics and gender studies, influencing academic discourse and policy debates on gender equality. She has also contributed to interdisciplinary fields, bridging psychology, philosophy, and women's studies.

## FAQs
**What is Carol Gilligan best known for?**
Carol Gilligan is best known for her book *In a Different Voice*, which critiqued traditional psychological theories of moral development for their male bias and introduced the concept of care ethics.

**Where did Carol Gilligan study?**
She earned her undergraduate degree from Radcliffe College and her PhD in Psychology from Harvard University.

**What awards has Carol Gilligan received?**
She has received several honors, including the Grawemeyer Award in Education (1992) and the Heinz Award for her contributions to understanding human behavior.

**How has Carol Gilligan influenced feminist theory?**
Her work on care ethics challenged dominant justice-based moral frameworks, arguing that women's moral reasoning often prioritizes relationships and care, which reshaped feminist and ethical discourse.

## Why They Matter
Carol Gilligan's work revolutionized the study of moral development by exposing gender biases in psychological research. Her introduction of care ethics provided a new lens for understanding human relationships, influencing fields from education to public policy. Without her contributions, feminist theory and gender studies would lack a critical framework for analyzing how gender shapes ethical reasoning and social structures.

## Notable For
- Authoring *In a Different Voice* (1982), a landmark book in feminist ethics
- Critiquing Lawrence Kohlberg's theory of moral development
- Developing the concept of care ethics
- Receiving the Grawemeyer Award in Education (1992)
- Affiliations with Harvard University, New York University, and the University of Cambridge
- Influencing interdisciplinary fields like gender studies, psychology, and philosophy

## Body
### Early Life and Education
Carol Gilligan was born on November 28, 1936, in the United States. She attended Radcliffe College, a women's college affiliated with Harvard University, where she earned her bachelor's degree. She later pursued a PhD in Psychology at Harvard University, where she began developing her critiques of existing psychological theories.

### Career and Academic Work
Gilligan's academic career includes positions at Harvard University, New York University, and the University of Cambridge. Her most influential work, *In a Different Voice* (1982), argued that traditional theories of moral development, such as those by Lawrence Kohlberg, were biased toward male experiences. She proposed that women's moral reasoning often emphasizes care and relationships, a perspective that became central to feminist ethics.

### Contributions to Feminist Theory
Gilligan's introduction of care ethics challenged the justice-based frameworks dominant in psychology and philosophy. Her work highlighted how gender influences ethical reasoning, leading to broader discussions on gender equality and social justice. This perspective has been applied in education, law, and public policy, making her a key figure in feminist and gender studies.

### Awards and Recognition
Gilligan has received numerous accolades, including the Grawemeyer Award in Education (1992) and the Heinz Award. These honors reflect her significant impact on psychology, ethics, and gender studies.

### Legacy
Carol Gilligan's work remains foundational in feminist theory and gender studies. Her critique of moral development theories and her emphasis on care ethics have reshaped academic and public discourse, ensuring her lasting influence in multiple disciplines.

## References

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10. Freebase Data Dumps. 2013
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14. [Source](https://www.podchaser.com/creators/carol-gilligan-107aDsleic/appearances)
15. Catalogo of the National Library of India