Gilligan's Theory of Moral Development as Applied to Social Work

Gilligan formulated two modes of moral development—rights and responsibilities. These two modes correspond to two moral traditions in social work: a rights perspective, based on liberal individualism, and a needs perspective, based on nineteenth century visions of Christian virtue. The conflict between the two modes illuminates the conflict between the two social work ideals. Recognition of the conflict can result in the exploration of alternative social visions.