Ethics of care is referred as a normative ethical theory which aims at defining whether an action or deed is right or wrong. This normative ethical theory was researched and developed by feminists during the second half of the 20th century. Moreover, it is always centered on individuals’ interdependence implying that some communities as well as people are more vulnerable and defenseless than others (Held 9). Ethics of care theory argues that there is a moral significance on the fundamental elements of dependencies and relationships in human life. These elements may include attentiveness, responsibility, competence and responsiveness. Therefore, the theory seeks to maintain and even uphold relationships by means of contextualizing as well as promoting the entire well-being of both caregivers and care-receivers in the extreme network of social relations (Held 12).
The theory usually carries three main beliefs which include the fact that all people are always interdependent for attaining and even achieving their interests. This implies that it involves maintaining the world of as well as meeting the needs and interests of, others and ourselves more effectively. It always aims at building on the appropriate motivation directed towards caring for those who are regarded as dependent and vulnerable as well. This is always facilitated and inspired by memories of being cared for and also idealization of self. It involves transforming the structures which influence practices of care from taking place in order to eliminate oppression effectively.
Additionally, the theory argues that some communities and individuals are more vulnerable than others and thus non-vulnerable communities should afford extra contemplation to the vulnerable societies when making decisions that might affects them. This implies those individuals who fall particularly under vulnerability should be considered appropriately especially when the non-vulnerability makes choices that would affect them either negatively or positively. Therefore, one should measure the level of vulnerability to the one’s decisions and choices. In addition, one should also measure the level of affectedness by the decisions or choices made and no one else’s. It is very important for a person to note that ethics of care theory does not endorse dependency association or relationship between individuals. However, the theory usually elaborates about maintaining the relationship or association of interdependence as well as the mutual benefits and efforts. Ethics of Care asserts the fact interacting with a certain community may be viewed as vulnerable and thus one should maintain affiliation or relationship of entire mutual opportunity and benefits. This may force one to always consider the repercussions, consequences or implications of his or her decisions or choices to others. Individuals should consider the fact that their decisions or choices may have a potential harm to the community negative.
The Ethics of care theory argues that it is indispensable to attend to the circumstantial or contextual details of a situation with the aim of safeguarding and even promoting the specific needs and interests of the people involved. It highlights the significance of a lack of the universal truth as well as taking into account the contextual details. Ethics of Care stresses the thought or notion that there is no single formula specifically concerning International Engagement and thus would put into consideration all the contextual details of every place which comprise local traditions and customs, culture, history, economy among others (Noddings 16).
However, there are number of criticisms put forth against the Ethics of Care theory. First, Ethics of Care is regarded as a slave morality. The objection was put forth arguing that care ethics is some sort of slave morals valorizing the domination and oppression of women. Frederick argued that the slave morality develops ethical theories which usually reaffirms the subservient traits and virtues. Care ethics is considered as a slave morality since the oppressed people will always tend to develop moral theories. The objection further argues that the voice of care at times may not be an empowering or authentic expression, but the product of untrue or false consciousness, which aims at equating the moral or ethical maturity with self-effacement and self-sacrifice.
Another objection is the fact that care ethics is regarded as empirically flawed from Gilligan perspective. Criticism also directs questions to the validity and accuracy of Gilligan’s readings or studies. Gilligan studies have been faulted for severely basing her inferences and conclusions on a narrow sample. It is clearly demonstrated that wider samples will always yield more diverse outcomes or results which may complicate the entire picture of gendered moral standpoints and perceptions. Therefore, it is argued that Gilligan should have considered many samples before coming into a concrete conclusion on moral perspectives (Noddings 38).
Concisely, Ethics of Care is a normative theory that always aims at defining whether an action or a deed is right or wrong. The theory carries some beliefs which may include the concept that all people are always interdependent of attaining their needs and interests. Additionally, there are people who will always be vulnerable due to choices and decisions made by others. Such decisions may have potential harm to the community. It is essential to attend to the circumstantial details of a specific situation aimed at safeguarding and promoting interests and needs of those involved. However, there is potential criticism to the Ethics of Care such as it is seen as a slave morality and empirically flawed.
Works Cited
Held, Virginia. The Ethics of Care: Personal, Political, and Global. Oxford: Oxford University Press, 2006. Print.
