Title | Systemic and Reflexive: Foundations of Cumulative Dis/Advantage and Life-Course Processes. |
Publication Type | Journal Article |
Year of Publication | 2020 |
Authors | Dannefer, D |
Journal | J Gerontol B Psychol Sci Soc Sci |
Volume | 75 |
Issue | 6 |
Pagination | 1249-1263 |
Date Published | 2020 Jun 02 |
ISSN | 1758-5368 |
Keywords | Aging, Geriatrics, Humans, Life History Traits, Research Design, Social Determinants of Health, Socioeconomic Factors, Sociology, Medical |
Abstract | Cumulative dis/advantage has been defined as the systemic tendency for interindividual divergence in a given characteristic to increase with the passage of time. Over recent decades, evidence supporting cumulative dis/advantage (CDA) as a cohort-based process that produces inequalities on a range of life-course outcomes has steadily increased. This paper reviews this growing body of work, grounding the discussion in CDA's foundation as a general sociological construct with broad relevance. I emphasize the distinction between outcome and process, and then distinguish multiple levels of social analysis at which CDA operates. From this review, I extract two principles, endogenous system dynamics and life-course reflexivity, that can be cross-classified to provide a framework for analyzing contemporary research frameworks and initiatives relevant to CDA. I argue that the full sociological impact and implications of CDA research has been unevenly developed and applied, and conclude by suggesting some possible directions for further building on CDA's insights. |
DOI | 10.1093/geronb/gby118 |
Alternate Journal | J Gerontol B Psychol Sci Soc Sci |
PubMed ID | 30295844 |