ELI5: Explain Like I'm 5

Carol Gilligan

Carol Gilligan is a lady who talks about what it is like to be a girl and how girls think and feel. She wanted people to understand that girls and boys are not the same, and it is important to treat them both with respect and kindness.

Imagine if you were playing with your toy trucks, but your friend wanted to play with dolls instead. It would not be nice if you told them they couldn't play with dolls just because they were a boy, would it? Carol Gilligan taught people to be nice to everyone regardless of what kind of toys they liked to play with or what they looked like.

She also taught people to listen to girls and hear what they have to say. Sometimes people forget that girls are important too, and they should have a chance to speak up and share their opinions. Carol Gilligan believes that girls should be encouraged to be strong and confident, and everyone should help them to grow into smart and confident women.