Feminist Critiques of Rawls’s Theory: Incorporating Family and Care Ethics
Susan Moller Okin and other feminist thinkers argue that Rawls’s theory does not adequately address gendered power dynamics. They point out that:
• Rawls’s focus on abstract public institutions overlooks the private sphere, particularly the family, where gender inequality often persists.
• By ignoring how gender roles and power imbalances in familial settings affect opportunities and well-being, Rawls’s framework may miss crucial aspects of social injustice.
• Feminist critiques suggest that a more comprehensive theory of justice should integrate care ethics, recognizing relationships and responsibilities beyond formal political arrangements.
In essence, these scholars call for reexamining justice to include the conditions that shape everyday life, ensuring that both public and private realms contribute to genuine fairness.