Carol Gilligan

The excerpt, “Woman’s Place in Man’s Life Cycle” from the novel In a Different Voice: Psychological Theory and Women’s Development by Carol Gilligan, was more unique than the other readings from this feminism unit, so far. Gilligan’s more scientific approach to the differences between males and females was surprisingly, fascinating to read. In “Women’s Place in Man’s Life Cycle,” Gilligan not only focused on feminism, where women belong in today’s society, but also on the emotions and behavioral differences of boys and girls. Basing her work on studies done by fellow researchers, Gilligan evaluated the approach that women and men take toward relationships, and the subsequent reasoning for the drastic differences in their approach. Men, from a young age, were more focused on competition than women. Their ability to play a competitive sport or game, without trying to hurt another person’s feelings, or wound their pride, allowed their relationships with friends to be more stable, less deeply rooted. Women, rather than following through with the planned game or event, did not want to continue arguing over something. Instead, they chose to simply, back down from the
major conflict and move on to something else. Women, therefore, had greater problems keeping close friendships, because of the dishonest nature of the women involved. “Woman’s Place in Man’s Life Cycle,” was unlike anything that we have read yet in the feminism section of our text. It allowed the reader to get an in-depth look at the different ways that women today, are hopefully, utilizing constant change that was once not within existence, and moving forward in the world.