Carol Gilligan is an American feminist philosopher, psychologist, and author who is known for her work on gender studies and moral development. She gained prominence for challenging Lawrence Kohlberg’s stages of moral development theory, which predominantly focused on male perspectives.

Background and Education

Carol Gilligan was born on November 28, 1936, in New York City. She obtained her B.A. in English literature from Swarthmore College in 1958. Later, she pursued a Ph.D. in social psychology from Harvard University, which she completed in 1964.

Key Contributions

Gilligan’s groundbreaking book, “In a Different Voice: Psychological Theory and Women’s Development,” published in 1982, presented her most significant contributions. In the book, she introduced an alternative perspective to Kohlberg’s theory, emphasizing the importance of caring, relationships, and the ethic of care.

Impact and Criticism

Gilligan’s work significantly influenced feminist psychology and helped shed light on the gender bias prevalent in traditional theories of moral development. However, her ideas faced criticism for potentially reinforcing gender stereotypes and essentializing women’s experiences.

Later Career

Carol Gilligan went on to teach at Harvard University, where she became the first gender studies professor in 1997. She later joined New York University as a professor of psychology and gender studies. Throughout her career, Gilligan continued to explore topics related to gender, ethics, and human development.