accumulative advantage

is an advantage and disadvantage we are presented with throughout our life (i.e. Extraordinary opportunities or cultural legacies) which together add up to either being successful or not.

This book had an interesting premise, it claimed that success is which many think of as attached to natural talent is really a result of accumulative advantage. Meaning that throughout our lives we are presented with advantages and disadvantages which add up to either being successful or well not being successful. Gladwell says that the three main categories to focus on are 'hidden advantages and extraordinary opportunities and cultural legacies' which allow people to 'learn and work hard and make sense of the world in the ways others cannot' (19).

accumulative advantage, n.All

accumulative advantage