HUMAN VOICE


Carol Gilligan (2023). In a Human Voice.


Professor Gilligan published an essay in 1972 called, "In a Different Voice" which subsequently became a published book in 1982. The thesis (oversimplified) is that boys and girls have different ethics that they live by, boys have the ethic of justice and girls the ethic of care. Over 40 years later Gilligan recognizes that the "ethic of care" belongs not just to girls and the feminine, but to all of humanity...caring is a "human voice" as opposed to the patriarchal voice of gender binaries and hierarchies. 


To listen with a human voice Gilligan suggests we listen closer to the language choices of people, especially to phrases like, "really think," "actually feel," and "to be honest"--these are signals for us to pay attention...to listen with respect and curiosity rather than judgment.



 

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