"In the different voice of women lies the truth of an ethic of care, the tie between relationship and responsibility, and the origins of aggression in the failure of connection"

Carol Gilligan’s insight draws attention to the unique ethical perspective women often bring to moral questions. She highlights the concept of an “ethic of care,” which prioritizes empathy, interpersonal connection, and the maintenance of relationships as central to ethical behavior. Unlike traditional ethical frameworks, which often prioritize abstract principles such as justice, autonomy, or impartiality, the ethic of care roots morality in experiences of dependency, relatedness, and the needs of others. Women’s voices, informed by socialization and life experience, tend to emphasize the complexities and responsibilities entwined in human relationships.

Embedded in this ethic is the understanding that responsibility is not simply adherence to external rules, but a function of relational context, the awareness that our actions affect the people we care about, and that ethical behavior involves responding appropriately to those needs. Moral decisions, therefore, cannot be separated from the web of relationships in which individuals are situated. Attentiveness, responsiveness, and compassion become integral qualities for fostering trust and support.

Further, Gilligan suggests that the roots of aggression often stem not from inherent malice but from the “failure of connection.” When individuals feel isolated, disregarded, or unheard, their sense of belonging erodes, creating frustration or anger that can manifest as aggression. The absence or breakdown of relational bonds undermines the ethic of care and can escalate conflict. In contrast, environments that nurture genuine connection and mutual understanding are less likely to foster animosity. Recognizing aggression as a symptom of disconnection calls for a reevaluation of how societies address conflict and support mental well-being: prioritizing relational repair, inclusion, and empathetic engagement over punishment or alienation.

Gilligan’s contribution encourages a broader view of moral development that values care as a fundamental component of human flourishing, bringing to light the moral wisdom evident in women’s perspectives and the crucial role of connection in ethical life.