Analysis of “care” and “justice” involved in moral reasoning of nurse based on the Gilligan theory: A literature review using the Gilligan’s protocol

Abstract

The majority of research on the moral development of nurses is in line with Kohlberg's theory. However, Gilligan noted that care and justice perspectives coexist in moral conflict, and during the growth process, each complements each other and promotes moral development and maturation. Chally, referring to Gilligan's theory, which has the perspective of relationship-focused care, argued that the moral development of nurses should be considered from both care and justice perspectives. In this paper, we analyzed publications that used Gilligan protocol to conduct research on moral conflicts experienced by nurses. Given the importance of care and justice perspectives in moral reasoning, Gilligan's theory, which incorporates both perspectives, is useful for analyzing moral reasoning in nurses. Our analysis suggests that attachment and connections based on relationships with patients and self-care are essential elements of care, and self-care is important in moral decision making. The inequality between nurse and physician roles was an issue raised with the justice perspective. Since nurses' roles are strongly influenced by their affection toward and connections with their patients, it is important not to overemphasize either perspective.

Moral conflicts from the justice and care perspectives of japanese nurses: a qualitative content analysis

“…Several studies have used Chally’s taxonomy [ 10 ] and Lyons’ coding schema [ 28 ] as criteria for identifying justice and care perspectives [ 11 , 15 , 16 ]. Analyzing complex and unclear ethical thinking in empirical research based on personal experience requires using various theoretical frameworks, concepts, and definitions, one of which is Chally’s taxonomy [ 29 , 30 ]. This taxonomy was created by Chally to categorize the justice and care perspectives of the profession.…”

Moral competence among nurses in Malawi: A concept analysis approach

“…Theoretical perspective of moral competence was described by making use of published articles by Ma, 16 Rzymska, 3 Jomsri et al, 2 Lind, 17 Nunnari, 19 Lind, 18 Cannaerts et al, 20 Grace et al, 21 Tutu, 8 Haegert, 9 and Tsunematsu and Asai. 22 Antecedents and consequences of moral competence were identified and described to enhance understanding of the concept and its implication to nursing practice. Model, borderline, related and contrary cases were described to promote understanding of the moral competence concept.…”

“…However, it is worth noting that nurses do not make ethical decisions based on justice only but also based on caring attitude of nurses. 22 Nurses are motivated to care because of the connections and attachments based on the relationships they develop with patients, families and community. 22 The definitions of the concept of moral competence in this study have presented some important words such as the 'ability to make decisions', 'to communicate effectively', 'good conduct', 'willingness to provide care' 'critical thinking' and 'solving problems'.…”

“…Caring is the ability to exhibit concern and empathy for others such as patients. 5,9,19,20,22 It goes together with sympathy and compassion. It calls for critical thinking, and problem-solving skills do decide how to help and support patients and others.…”

“…9 Furthermore, the care is given because of the connections and attachments based on the relationships that nurses develop with patients. 22 Responsibility. Responsibility is commitment to faithfully discharge duties as a nurse and to be answerable for any action taken.…”