Rights, responsibility, and relationship: Motivations for women's social activism

A narrative analysis of interviews with 50 women who were working for social change as professionals av volunteers revealed three motivations for activism: (a) to ensure rights, (b) to fulfill responsibilities, and (c) to restore relationships and build community. The three motivations reflect a modified ethic of care, which includes concern for distant and unfamiliar others. The women's spirituality supports the modified care ethic by emphasizing the interdependence of all life.