Who argued that understanding care is crucial for societal functioning?

The assertion that understanding care is crucial for societal functioning is notably associated with Nel Noddings. Her work extensively focuses on the ethics of care, emphasizing the importance of relationships and the experience of care in both personal and societal contexts. Noddings argues that care should be at the center of ethical considerations, suggesting that nurturing relationships foster moral development and a sense of community.

She contrasts this approach with traditional ethical theories that often prioritize abstract principles over interpersonal connections. By advocating for an ethic centered on care, Noddings highlights how understanding and practicing care can lead to improved societal structures and healthier communities. Her perspective is particularly influential in feminist ethics and challenges more conventional, often male-dominated, ethical frameworks.

In contrast, the other figures mentioned may have related ideas but do not emphasize care in the same way. For instance, Carol Gilligan also contributed significantly to care ethics, but Noddings is more directly recognized for the argument regarding care’s societal roles. John Stuart Mill is known for his utilitarian philosophy, focused on maximizing happiness without a specific emphasis on care. Friedrich Nietzsche's work primarily challenges moral frameworks and does not address care as an essential societal element.