Publication: In A Different Voice: Psychological Theory and Women's Development

• Gilligan, Carol

LCCN: 81-13478

In a Different Voice begins with an indictment
psychologists from Freud to Piaget have made a muddle and a
mystery of female psychology by trying to treat women as if
they were men. Repeatedly, developmental theories have been
built on observations of men's lives. When women fail to
develop in the way men do, the conclusion is that something
may be wrong with women. Gilligan concludes, instead, that
something must be wrong with theory. If, for example, male
development is mainly a matter of increasing separation
from others to achieve autonomy and independence, does that
mean that women have failed to grow into mature adults if
their development involves a continuing and unresolved
struggle to balance their responsibilities to others with
their commitment to themselves? If men see morality chiefly
as a matter of impartial justice, are women less moral if
they see morality more as a matter of care? If men are
willing to sacrifice relationships with others in pursuit
of achievement, are women wrong to sacrifice achievements
to preserve relationships?

Gilligan's answers to these questions take her well beyond
negative criticisms of existing theory; they give substance
to her own view of female personality and round out
aportrait of human nature that has too long been one-sided.
Built on a careful hearing of many voices--some historical,
some literary, but mostly those of the contemporary men and
women Gilligan interviewed--In a Different Voice rises above
narrow disputes over sex differences to make a deeper
assessment of what it is to be human.  Includes
bibliographical references (p. [177]-180) and index.