Lesson Ill: Ethics of Care
What is Ethics of Care, and how is it different from other ways of thinking
about right and wrong? Carol Gillian, an American feminist and psychologist,
introduced the idea of the Ethics of Care. She believed that, instead of focusing on rules
or laws like other ethical theories, the Ethics of Care looks at how we are all connected,
how we feel for others, and the situations people are in. This approach teaches us to
care for others, be empathetic, and make decisions based on relationships, fairness,
and respect. It also emphasizes the importance of love, justice, and the balance
between both in how we treat each other.
What is the Ethics of Care?
The Ethics of Care is a way of thinking about right and wrong that focuses
on the importance of relationships and compassion. Instead of just following rules, it
examines each situation carefully, considering people's feelings, needs, and what's fair.
It teaches that caring for others is the most important thing in life and encourages us to
act with respect, gratitude, and empathy.
Carol Gilligan's ideas are based on the belief that humans are deeply
connected to one another. She argues that everyone has a voice and should be heard
because understanding each other is key to building strong, healthy relationships. The
Ethics of Care encourages us to focus on real situations and to be flexible when dealing
with problems instead of relying only on simple rules. It reminds us that caring for others
is at the heart of morality and social justice.
Ethics of Care Theory
The Ethics of Care is not just one single theory; it's a collection of ideas that
come from many different fields like psychology, sociology, and education. One of its
main ideas is that taking care of others is an important part of how we make decisions.
It's not just about feelings - it's about understanding others, sharing ideas, and acting
with kindness. The Ethics of Care teaches that caring is not just for family and friends
but for everyone, everywhere. In this theory, people are not seen as isolated individuals
but as beings connected to others. Our relationships and the experiences we have with
others shape who we are. The Ethics of Care teaches us to be responsible for each
other based on a deep respect for every person's value and dignity. We should act not
out of duty or fear but because we understand the importance of care and fairness.
Love and Justice in the Ethics of Care
In the Ethics of Care, love and justice work together. Love helps justice by
encouraging us to listen to each Person's unique experiences. At the same time, justice
ensures that love doesn't turn into exploitation or unfair treatment. Together, love and
justice can create a world where people treat each other with kindness and respect.
The Law of Love and Love of Law
There's a difference between doing something because you have to and
doing it because you love it. When you act out of fear of punishment, you might follow
the rules but not out of real care for others. When you act out of love and respect, you
fulfill the law more deeply. As the Bible says in Romans 13:8-10, loving others is the
highest form of fulfilling the law.
On Love and Relationships
Love isn't just about giving gifts or saying. "I Love you." Sometimes, it's
about quietly letting someone else focus on what is important to them. Real love
respects people for who they are, not for what others expect them to be. Love grows
stronger when we understand each other's unique needs and desires and when we
share happiness and support.
Managing Relationships and Conflict
Conflicts will come up in relationships, but there are ways to handle them respectfully:
● Don't interrogate: Avoid pushing someone to share more than they are
comfortable with. Give them space to share at their own pace.
● Be honest: Speak openly but kindly. Think before speaking, but don't hide your
feelings.
● Understand others' perspectives: Try to see things from the other person's
point of view and be open to their experience.
● Test your reactions: If a conflict isn't being resolved, reflect on why it's still
bothering you. Sometimes, past experiences can affect how we react.
● Think about the end goal: If you want to repair a relationship, you may need to
forgive. This helps heal and move forward.
How to Improve Yourself
Improving yourself is about adopting habits that help you grow as a person and build
better relationships:
1. Start the day with a smile and gratitude.
2. Act with respect for others, not just yourself.
3. Treat everyone fairly and equally.
4. Think about how your actions will affect others.
5. Respect other people's rights.
6. Always act with honesty, even when no one is watching.
7. Be thankful for what you have.
8. Take responsibility for your actions and decisions.
9. Be mindful of your emotions and how they affect others.
10.Stay positive and seek support when needed.
11.Keep a healthy routine, including exercise, to stay balanced.
12.Strive for self-respect, and don't hold grudges.
13.End the day with gratitude and kind words to spread love.
By following these habits, you'll not only improve yourself but also create stronger, more
caring relationships with others.
Understanding the Ethics of Care
The Ethics of Care highlights how people are naturally connected, focusing
more on relationships rather than just following strict rules. It teaches that moral actions
come from caring, sharing, and helping others, creating a supportive environment where
everyone can grow. This approach encourages us to assist those in need and protect
others from harm.
Caring should come from genuine sympathy, empathy, and understanding.
These qualities help us make ethical choices and be more aware of others' needs. By
practicing care in daily life, we become more compassionate and responsible
individuals.
Thinking Bigger: Care in Society
But how does this idea work in large-scale issues like global inequality or
climate change, where personal connections may not exist? Can we apply care-based
ethics on a global level? If so, how might it change our approach to justice and
responsibility in the modern world?
The Ethics of Care can be applied on a global scale, even when personal
connections are not present. While we may not directly know the people affected by
global inequality or climate change, we can still act with empathy and responsibility. This
means supporting policies that help vulnerable communities, making sustainable
choices, and encouraging fair treatment for all.
By applying care-based ethics globally, we shift from thinking only about
individual responsibility to collective action. Governments, businesses, and individuals
can work together to create a more just and sustainable world. This approach reminds
us that even small actions—like reducing waste, advocating for human rights, or helping
those in need—can contribute to a more caring and ethical society.
