In a Different Voice: Psychological Theory and Women’s Development

Gilligan acknowledges that women’s orientation toward a care ethic might be terrifying for those who orient through a rights ethic, and vice versa. What, in your view, are the strengths and weaknesses of each orientation? Can they be reconciled? Why or why not?

Gilligan often opens chapters with references to literature and film, or refers to these mediums in the midst of her analysis and discussion. What are the advantages and limitations of this approach? How does her use of literature and film help illustrate key themes and ideas in the work?

Gilligan’s work is highly influential, but has also attracted criticism from other psychologists and even from some feminist thinkers. Research some of these critiques. What objections do these critics raise against her work? Do you agree or disagree with these critiques? Why or why not?

Gilligan includes several studies involving many research subjects in her book, and she often includes lengthy quotes from these research subjects. These passages sometimes interrupt the flow of the book, as the reader constantly has to reorient toward a new perspective. What does Gilligan accomplish in including all these lengthy passages? How is her approach similar to or different from that of other psychologists?

Selfishness—or concern for the self—generally has a negative connotation. Gilligan, however, argues that, especially for women, selfishness is necessary for moral development. Do you agree with this assessment? Why or why not? How do you define the relation between self and morality?

Gilligan argues that a rights orientation is assumed by Kohlberg in the Heinz dilemma. She offers an alternative approach that is concerned with relations and attempts further discussion. Are there other approaches that you could consider in approaching the Heinz dilemma?

What is the difference in method between Kohlberg’s research based on subjects responding to the Heinz dilemma and Gilligan’s listening to subjects discuss their thinking in trying to determine whether or not to have an abortion? Are the methods opposed to one another?

Gilligan assumes that women should be able to decide whether or not to have an abortion and thus that abortion should be legal. Does Gilligan’s research surrounding abortion include women who think about abortion in other ways? Why does she include all these different ideas about abortion in her book?