Gilligan's Three Stages

Orientation toward individual survival

Initial concentration is on what is practical and best for self. Gradual transition from selfishness to responsibility, which includes thinking about what would be best for others- A first grader may insist on playing games of her choosing when playing with a friend

Goodness as self-sacrifice

Initial view is that a woman must sacrifice her own wishes to what other people want. Gradual transition from “goodness” to “truth”, which considers the needs of both self and others- Now older, the same girl may believe that to be a good friend, she must play the games her friend chooses, even if she doesn’t like them

Morality of nonviolence

A moral equivalence is established between self and others. Hurting anyone- including one’s self- is seen as immoral. Most sophisticated form of reasoning, according to Gilligan- The same girl may realize that both friends must enjoy their time together and look for activities that both she and her friend can enjoy

Stage 1

orientation toward individual survival

Stage 2

goodness as self-sacrifice

Stage 3

morality of nonviolence