PEDAGOGY OF CARE AND RELATIONAL ETHICS IN EDUCATION
Keywords:
Pedagogy of Care; Relational Ethics; Ethics of Care; Teacher–Student Relationships; Educational Ethics; Inclusive Education; Emotional Labor in Teaching; Professional Responsibility; Humanistic Pedagogy; Moral EducationAbstract
This article explores the theoretical foundations and educational implications of
the Pedagogy of Care and Relational Ethics in contemporary education. Drawing
primarily on the ethics of care tradition, particularly the work of Nel Noddings, the
paper conceptualizes teaching as a fundamentally relational, ethical, and moral practice
rather than a purely technical activity. The discussion examines how caring
relationships between teachers and students contribute to inclusive learning
environments, learner motivation, and academic success. In addition, the article
analyzes relational ethics as a framework for ethical decision-making in education,
emphasizing contextual judgment, responsibility, and dialogical interaction. Critical
perspectives are also considered, including issues of emotional labor, power
asymmetry, and institutional constraints. The article concludes that integrating care
based pedagogy and relational ethics can enhance educational equity, teacher
professionalism, and the humanistic quality of education, provided that such
approaches are supported at both pedagogical and policy levels.
References
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