What concept describes the stages involved in ethical care according to Carol Gilligan?

The concept of ethical care as described by Carol Gilligan is rooted in her critique of traditional moral development theories, which predominantly emphasize justice and rules. Instead, Gilligan focused on the relational and contextual aspects of ethics, highlighting that moral decisions often arise from caring relationships and the needs of others. Her stages of ethical care outline how individuals grow in their understanding of care and responsibility towards themselves and others, marking a shift from self-centered moral reasoning to a more community-oriented perspective.

Gilligan identified these stages to demonstrate how moral perspectives can differ based on gender socialization and life experiences, thus emphasizing empathy, relational understanding, and responsibility as key components of moral development. This framework recognizes that ethical decision-making in contexts such as education involves navigating complex emotional and social dynamics, making the concept of ethical care particularly relevant for teachers who aim to nurture supportive and responsible classroom environments.