Carol Gilligan's Theory: How Women Develop A Sense Of Self

The development of identity often relies on a complex mix of factors—such as environmental contributors, one’s own inherent sense of self and the ability to be self-aware. However, certain social and behavioral scientists believe that there may be more to this process. According to psychologist Carol Gilligan, there may be cognitive, moral and relational differences between genders. The question many are asking is: How exactly do these differences come into play regarding one’s sense of self?

Below, we explore implications of Carol Gilligan’s work and theory of moral development. We’ll also discuss how women may form their sense of self, and possible supportive strategies to help one know oneself more intimately. 

Moral reasoning and a woman’s sense of self

Your sense of self is generally defined as your personal identity. As a result, many believe that sense of self can be developed through numerous channels, as experiences and connections can facilitate transformational events that can impact how we view the world and ourselves. 

For example: For some, families may be the primary means of shaping a definite sense of self. Others may define themselves by their careers or talents. In any case, however, it can be important to remember that your sense of self is the way you see yourself at the given moment. This may shift over time as one changes and develops throughout a lifetime—and to realize this can be powerfully freeing. 

In this context, Carol Gilligan proposed that what once was seen as a universal experience of personal introspection and development, may actually vary between men and women. She hypothesized that either gender possesses the inclination and drive toward different paths as they work to develop a sense of self. She then hypothesized that these differences can impact every area of a person’s life, from self-awareness to moral judgment and decision-making. 

We do want to clarify a few things: Gilligan believed that a woman's sense of self may not be separate from a man's, insomuch that it is a solid state of identity that is only presented in a single way. However, she is thought by many to believe that there may be differences in the way that sense of self is developed between genders—which can be seen in possible differences between female and male behaviors, ideas and systems of morality. 

Gilligan continues in her hypothesis, suggesting that external motivators or measurable things might not develop a woman's sense of self; rather, a woman's sense of self may be driven byan intrinsic, interior sense of care, community and responsibility.* 

*Please keep in mind that these views and theories reflect one psychologist, Carol Gilligan, and her contributions to the field (discussed in the next section). These views are not an objective, absolute truth and can be extremely harmful when imposed on others in an inappropriate way. Additional study and research is needed to validate the experiences of trans, genderfluid and non-binary folks who may not align with the male or female perspectives. 

Theory of moral development

Gilligan is noted by many to be the first person to prominently challenge the Freudian theory that men and women approached morality from inferior and superior perspectives. Gilligan’s ideas were spurred by her disagreements with certain aspects of the work of Lawrence Kohlberg, with whom she worked as a research assistant. Kohlberg’s stages of moral development, she believed, focused only on the way males develop moral reasoning. When tested on moral reasoning within Kohlberg’s system, women displayed an inferior ability to solve moral problems compared to men. Based on her own research, though, Gilligan found that women simply solved moral dilemmas differently than men. 

Rather than accepting Kohlberg’s theory of moral development, in which women had perceived deficiencies in moral thinking, Gilligan developed her own psychological theory. She suggested that women make moral decisions using a different framework than men. Women’s development of moral decision-making skills, Gilligan suggests, are focused on relationships, connection, and care. Kohlberg’s stages of moral development, on the other hand, emphasized the importance of operating within a set of rules that are universally applied. In short, she generally believed that men and women may not be inferior or superior to the other but are simply different.

In Gilligan’s framework, like Kohlberg’s, there are three stages: preconventional, conventional, and postconventional. In the preconventional stage, Gilligan argues, women are focused on their self-interest and survival. During the conventional stage, morality is centered around self-sacrifice for the benefit of others. In the final stage, the postconventional stage, women make moral decisions based on limiting harm to both themselves and others. Gilligan published a book describing her theory, In a Different Voice: Psychological Theory and Women’s Development, in 1982.

According to Gilligan’s hypothesis, the possible feelings of alienation and separation that many women can feel as well (as the social pressures they may experience) can be borne of a man's view of the world. This view, Gilligan believed, can be governed by morality ruled by judgments and logic—while a woman's sense of morality, self and navigation of the world may be ruled by the desire to feel connected and responsible.  

This automatic sense of community can be an important part of women’s experience in society, helping many to feel as though they belong, they are living in line with their values and they are contributing to the world as a whole. Conversely, Gilligan believed that men might feel as though they must contribute with money, power or similarly visible assets. 

She then concluded that women may derive their identity through the people they surround themselves with, their ability to care for others and their ability to fulfill their responsibilities in whatever societal context they currently are within. Gilligan went on to hypothesize that this potential difference may demonstrate an important (but not inferior) difference between those who identify as female and male.

Who exactly is Carol Gilligan?

Carol Gilligan is generally known as a Harvard-educated psychologist and is applauded by many for her contributions to women's studies within psychology. Born in New York City in 1936, Gilligan graduated from Swarthmore College in 1958. After earning a master’s degree in clinical psychology at Radcliffe College, she attended Harvard University, where she earned a PhD in social psychology. 

Following a teaching stint at the University of Chicago, Gilligan returned to Harvard in 1979, where she worked as a professor in the School of Education. In 1997, she became the Patricia Albjerg Professor of Gender Studies, a position she held until 2002, when she began teaching at New York University. It was during her time as a professor at Harvard that Gilligan began forming her theory of moral development. Along with In a Different Voice, Gilligan has authored, co-authored, and edited several books, including Meeting at the Crossroads: Women’s Psychology and Girls’ Development and The Birth of Pleasure: A New Map of Love.

What was Carol Gilligan's impact on psychology? 

Carol Gilligan’s stages of moral development represented a significant advance in the field of developmental psychology. Gilligan has also been an influential figure in the feminist movement, as she was generally determined to make sure the experiences, viewpoints and ideas of women were listened to and acknowledged. Before Gilligan, it was not generally considered uncommon to exclude women from psychological studies, a standard which possibly created significant gender gaps in the study of psychology as a whole. This consequence is regarded by many as something that occurred in addition to the exclusion of women from more rigorous study and, consequently, treatment, which was thought to have possible generational effects.

How to improve your sense of self: Supportive strategies

There are many different ways to improve one’s sense of self. Some of the most common may include: 

Seeking knowledge: Contexts of womanhood

Learning about the many different contexts of womanhood and how women can exist in the world can be an important part of developing a strong and consistent sense of self. Without a sense of self, you may feel uncomfortable or uncertain about your own ideas and convictions. You might also grow overwhelmed and overstimulated easily. Women with a strong sense of self, in comparison, may be better able to stand their ground on important topics and can contribute to their communities. They may also experience a higher quality of life. 

Understanding the patriarchy's impact

Learning about and acknowledging the impacts of the patriarchy can also help improve your sense of self, as you can learn to find loopholes, areas of weakness and areas that are lacking within the current societal context. You can then work to fill them and color them with your own experiences, encouraging other women and community members to do the same for a more harmonious and vibrant societal experience.

Connecting with others to expand your social circle

Improving your social connectedness can lend itself to improving your sense of self, possibly creating greater positive impact on your emotional health. For example: If women tend to be more social creatures and thrive in community, as Gilligan claims, then you may find benefit from improving your emotional support network. This on its own may help you to improve your sense of self, possibly strengthening your identity.

How can online therapy support you?

Speaking with a therapist can also help you to remain more confident and empowered in your own identity. If you want to meet with a therapist but are unsure how to start, you may benefit from the convenience and availability that online therapy can bring. While it can feel overwhelming to start the therapeutic journey, it can be incredibly rewarding—possibly reducing your nervousness around this part of your personal development. 

The online counselors and therapists at BetterHelp can meet when and where it’s most convenient for you, including from the comfort of your own home via video chat, phone call, live voice recordings, or safe and exclusive in-app instant messaging.

How BetterHelp can support you

Many find that online therapy is becoming increasingly well-studied. The National Center for Health Research, for example, conducted an analysis of dozens of studies focusing on the efficacy of online therapy for a variety of conditions and concerns. They found that online therapy can be just as effective as in-person therapy for treatment of depression, anxiety disorders, PTSD and more—all of which can impact one’s sense of self.