Critique of Phenomenological Theory, Gilligan’s Theory, and

Better for It: How People Benefit From Adversity

Historical/Cultural Context of Theory/Perspective:

Carl Rogers who was a self-theorists pioneered person-centered therapy developed the Phenomenological Theory. He focused mainly on the self, and how self dealt with life events. “Self-Theories of personality focus on “the way the world appears” to particular individuals and how they attach meanings to their “experiences and feelings” (Raskin & Rogers, 1995, p. 140).” (Zastrow & Krist-Ashman 2001). Rogers did not agree with Piaget or Erickson that ones personality is formed by their environment rather Rogers pointed toward life and it’s events as that which forms ones personality, meaning, and psychological development. Thus, Phenomenological Theory takes in all cultures and all peoples. There are not biases or prejudices. All people are recipients of life events that re-shape there being either negatively or positively.

The basic concept that Carl Rogers focused on while developing his theory is the role

His theory truly does reflect the participation of the human experience. Each individual is at a different level throughout life. Maslow hoped that all people would reach their fullest potential. Yet, circumstances sometimes will hinder and individual or moves an individual back a step.

“Level 1: Orientation to Personal Survival. This level focuses purely on the woman’s self-interest.

Even though it is directed toward a woman’s moral choices one could find the validity that this theory could be applied to each person attaining their fullest human potential. Especially when we observe Level 2 and Transition 2 of Gilligan’s theory. Gillian makes it clear how this works in the following observation: “Level 2: Goodness as Self-Sacrifice. Level 2 involves putting aside one’s own needs and wishes. The well being of other people becomes important. The “good” thing to do is to sacrifice herself so that others may benefit. Transition 2: From Goodness to Reality. During this transitional period, women begin to examine their situations more objectively. They draw away from depending on others to tell them what they should do. Instead, they begin to take into account the well-being of everyone concerned, including themselves.” (Zastrow & Krist-Ashman 2001). This reinforces the fact that when this takes place many people will be affected by it in a positive way.

Does this theory/perspective recognize the benefits of, and does it celebrate human diversity?

Some topics in this essay:
Zastrow Krist-Ashman, According Gilligan, Benefit Adversity”, Jan Flax, Personal Survival, Menard Franzese, Kupferer Wilken, Lerner Miller, Castro Krist-Ashman, Maslow’s Hierarchy, krist-ashman 2001, zastrow krist-ashman, zastrow krist-ashman 2001, battered women, human dignity, moral development, female gang, mills p261 1996, p261 1996, mills p261, gilligan’s theory, mcmillen 1999, mcmillen 1999 455, fullest human potential, molidor 251 vol,