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

Author

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  • Dale Dannefer
  • Deborah Carr

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.

Suggested Citation

  • Dale Dannefer & Deborah Carr, 2020. "Systemic and Reflexive: Foundations of Cumulative Dis/Advantage and Life-Course Processes," The Journals of Gerontology: Series B, The Gerontological Society of America, vol. 75(6), pages 1249-1263.
    • Handle: RePEc:oup:geronb:v:75:y:2020:i:6:p:1249-1263.
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    File URL: http://hdl.handle.net/10.1093/geronb/gby118
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