CRITIQUE: in search of a just and caring evaluation
Gilligan’s theory is a compelling description of differences in masculine and feminine moral perspective. Her book is required reading for those who want an in-depth understanding of women’s self-concept. Yet her two-voice hypothesis has drawn considerable criticism.
Some people fear that Gilligan’s attempt to establish a different but equal voice merely reinforces the cultural stereotype that men act on reason while women respond to feelings. Others censure Gilligan for swallowing the anger that many women feel. They note that her "voice of care" takes care not to accuse men of anything more than ignorance or insensitivity to a feminine perspective. Many ethical theorists are disturbed at the idea of a double standard-justice for some, care for others. Moral philosophy has never suggested different ethics for different groups. Each ethical theory assumes a moral standard that applies to all. People who think in terms of justice often object that Gilligan’s ethic of care has no external criteria by which to judge whether people have met their responsibility. For example, on what basis does Gilligan assign Sarah’s explanation to Level 3 rather than considering it a selfish rationalization more characteristic of Level l? How can we tell that the woman has taken responsibility for her choice?
In response, Gilligan could point out that people who hold the welfare of individuals as their moral ideal may have to adjust what they do to meet the requirements of the situation. The same action could be ethical in one case but unethical under a different set of circumstances. If flexibility is a fault, it is one shared by all utilitarians who seek the greatest good for the greatest number.
Many social scientists criticize the thin research support which Gilligan offers to validate her theory. For example, the small, specialized sample in the abortion study casts doubt on whether these women represent the thought of most females. Only four chose to give birth, and their voices are not recorded as examples of care. We should remember, however, that Freud’s, Piaget’s, and Kohlberg’s developmental theories were based on biased samples as well. The case study approach is always open to the charge of being non-representative. Mead and Gilligan think that the rich interpretations of self-concept make the risk worth taking.