Systemic and Reflexive: Foundations of Cumulative Dis/Advantage and Life-Course Processes.

TitleSystemic and Reflexive: Foundations of Cumulative Dis/Advantage and Life-Course Processes.
Publication TypeJournal Article
Year of Publication2020
AuthorsDannefer, D
JournalJ Gerontol B Psychol Sci Soc Sci
Volume75
Issue6
Pagination1249-1263
Date Published2020 Jun 02
ISSN1758-5368
KeywordsAging, 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.

DOI10.1093/geronb/gby118
Alternate JournalJ Gerontol B Psychol Sci Soc Sci
PubMed ID30295844