https://doi.org/10.67147/literariness.v1i2.037
A Care-Based Approach to Borders and Nations: Toward a More Compassionate World
DR. PURNIMA DAS
Assistant Professor
Department of Philosophy
Maynaguri College, Maynaguri, Jalpaiguri, West Bengal
Abstract: The ethics of care, rooted in feminist philosophy, challenges traditional moral theories that prioritize abstract principles over relational interdependence. When applied to the concepts of borders and nations, this perspective invites a critical rethinking of nationalism and its ethical implications. Borders, often seen as fixed makers of sovereignty, are human constructs that regulate belonging and exclusion. Feminist ethics of care, however, foregrounds the interconnectedness of individuals and communities, urging us to consider the moral responsibility we have for those beyond our national boundaries. Nationalism, in its conventional form, tends to prioritize the interests of the nation-state, often at the expense of marginalized groups, particularly women, migrants and refugees. For example, migration policies that separate families or deny asylum seekers refuge demonstrate a lack of ethical responsibility toward vulnerable populations. Feminist ethics of care challenges these policies by emphasizing empathy, relationality and shared humanity. This perspective highlights the gendered dimensions of nationalism. Nationalist narratives often rely on idealized notions of women as bearers of cultural identity or as symbols of national purity. These roles reinforce patriarchal structures and reduce women’s agency. The ethics of care disrupts these narratives, advocating for a more inclusive and equitable understanding of nationhood.
A care-based approach to borders and nations envisions a world where compassion and cooperation replace exclusion and division. It calls for policies that prioritize human dignity, address global inequalities and acknowledge our shared responsibilities. Feminist ethics of care not only questions the morality of borders but also inspires a vision of solidarity that transcends national lines, fostering a more just and compassionate world. This approach compels us to rethink how we navigate the moral complexities of borders and nations in an increasingly interconnected world.
Keywords: Feminist Ethics, Nationalism, Borders, Relationality, Marginalized, Solidarity
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