Texas PPR (Pedagogy and Professional Responsibilities) Practice Test

According to Carol Gilligan, at what position does one prioritize the needs of others before oneself?

1. Integrated care

2. Conventional care

3. Survival orientation

4. Universal principles

The correct answer is: Conventional care

In Carol Gilligan's theory of moral development, the stage where one prioritizes the needs of others before oneself is referred to as "conventional care." This level emphasizes the importance of relationships and the ethical responsibilities that come with them. Individuals in this stage often focus on care, connection, and the welfare of others, which can lead them to sometimes suppress their own needs in favor of those around them. This convention reflects a broader understanding of morality that goes beyond mere self-interest, indicating a developmental progression from a more individualistic perspective to one that is relational and community-oriented. As individuals navigate this stage, they begin to recognize the interconnectedness of their decisions with the emotional and psychological welfare of others, which is a fundamental aspect of Gilligan's approach to understanding ethical reasoning, particularly in contrast to more traditional frameworks that emphasize justice and autonomy. The other options represent different stages or orientations in Gilligan's theory. Integrated care suggests a more balanced or holistic understanding of personal and relational needs, survival orientation typically focuses on self-preservation, and universal principles are oriented towards abstract moral laws that apply universally regardless of specific contexts, all of which do not specifically capture the essence of prioritizing others' needs over one's own as aptly as conventional care does.