Chapter 2: Ethics of Care
Overview
Ethics of Care is an ethical theory that emphasizes the importance of relationships, empathy, and responsiveness in decision-making. An ethical framework originally applied to private life, it has now been extended to application in a much broader context. Ethics scholars advocate for integrating care ethics when considering broader social and political issues, such as bioethics, environmental ethics and public policy. In healthcare in particular, ethic of care is being used to foster more compassionate and democratic approaches to human interaction and well-being.
The ethics of care is also very useful for making responsible and ethical decisions in business and organizational contexts. It offers a different way to think than just focusing on making money or following strict rules. Instead, it values human relationships and well-being and emphasizes the moral importance of these relationships and dependencies. It aims to promote the well-being of those involved within a network of social connections, with a particular emphasis on those who are less powerful and whose voices might not be heard.
When applied to internal and external stakeholders, Ethics of Care guides businesses and organizations to move beyond purely transactional or rule-based interactions, focusing instead on fostering genuine, respectful relationships and supporting collective flourishing.
Core Concepts
- Relational ethics: Morality is grounded in relationships and human interdependence
- Empathy and responsiveness: Ethical decisions should reflect understanding and care for others’ needs, especially for those who may lack power
- Context and flexibility: Each situation requires thoughtful attention, not rigid application of rules
- Mutual responsibility: Encourages shared care rather than individual burden
In Practice
Ethical Lens: Rethinking Benefits at Tech Solutions
Tech Solutions, a mid-sized company, is facing financial pressure. Executives propose cutting paid parental leave and flexible work options to save costs. From a profit-focused or rule-based view, this might seem like a rational move.
But the Ethics of Care would ask: What are the ripple effects of this decision on employees, families, and the workplace culture?
Many employees at Tech Solutions care for children, elderly parents, or family members with health issues. These caregiving responsibilities are often invisible but deeply significant. A care-based approach would recognize that reducing these supports could increase stress and harm workplace well-being, especially for women and marginalized groups who disproportionately shoulder care work.
Instead of prioritizing cost-cutting alone, a business guided by care ethics would explore options that protect human dignity and shared responsibility. The company might ask:
- How can we better support employees’ caregiving needs?
- Can we design policies that promote well-being and equity while still meeting our goals?
Watch: Dive into care ethics, a moral philosophy that challenges traditional rule-based systems. (9 minutes)
Quick Check
Foundational Theorist
Carol Gilligan is credited with developing this approach by observing the need for a “different voice” in moral reasoning, distinct from traditional justice-based models, highlighting the importance of relationships and empathy. She wanted to provide an alternative to what she saw as a traditional, male-biased perspective in ethics
References:
Sander-Staudt, M. (n.d.). Care Ethics. In E. N. Zalta (Ed.), The Internet Encyclopedia of Philosophy. Retrieved from https://iep.utm.edu/care-ethics/.
Kwan, J. (2023, May 5) Care Ethics. Retrieved from https://www.scu.edu/ethics/ethics-resources/ethical-decision-making/care-ethics/care-ethics.html.
