Revisiting Gilligan's Ethics of Care: Critical Reflections and Contemporary Relevance

This paper critically examines Carol Gilligan’s Ethics of Care, contextualising her work within both historical and contemporary moral discourse. While appreciating Gilligan's basic contributions, the study questions its theoretical boundaries and practical application in today's complicated ethical situation. Drawing on post-2015 literature and worldwide views, the research combines multidisciplinary ideas from environmental ethics, AI ethics, and pandemic-era care practices to highlight the growing importance of care ethics. In this article, a systematic comparison is made between the relational focus that is inherent in Gilligan's work and Kantian moral formalism. The comparison has been made using a wide range of academic literature as well as real-world examples from the fields of education and healthcare. The study compares Gilligan’s concepts with Kantian moral theory, not only to differentiate deontological rigour from relational ethics but also to highlight points of compatibility and criticism. Gilligan's approach places an emphasis on empathy, contextual awareness, and the cultivation of interpersonal connections as vital components of an ethical existence. This study also examines some less-discussed criticisms of Gilligan's model, including its ability to be applied to larger groups, its fairness to all, and its compatibility with all cultures.