In the ethics of care framework, the 'one-caring' and 'cared-for' refer to which relationship?

• A. The one-caring is the person providing care; the cared-for is the patient
• B. The one-caring is the patient; the cared-for is the nurse
• C. The one-caring and cared-for are administrators
• D. They describe legal obligations

Answer: (A)

In the ethics of care, care is a relationship defined by attentiveness, responsibility, and mutual connection. The one-caring is the person who provides care—someone who notices needs and acts to support another. The cared-for is the recipient of that care, whose needs shape how the care is given. This dyadic dynamic centers the caregiver–recipient bond, rather than roles like patient versus nurse, administrators, or abstract legal obligations. So the relationship described is the caregiver providing support to the person receiving care.