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Cited by 2,069Intergenerational and Educational Inequality StudiesSocial and Cultural DynamicsSocial Power and Status Dynamics

Cumulative Advantage as a Mechanism for Inequality: A Review of Theoretical and Empirical Developments

DiPrete, Thomas A., Eirich, Gregory M.·2006·Annual Review of Sociology
DOI 10.1146/annurev.soc.32.061604.123127
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Abstract

Although originally developed by R.K. Merton to explain advancement in scientific careers, cumulative advantage is a general mechanism for inequality across any temporal process (e.g., life course, family generations) in which a favorable relative position becomes a resource that produces further relative gains. This review shows that the term cumulative advantage has developed multiple meanings in the sociological literature. We distinguish between these alternative forms, discuss mechanisms that have been proposed in the literature that may produce cumulative advantage, and review the empirical literature in the areas of education, careers, and related life course processes.

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117 of 117 references verified0 citation errors · 0 not checkable

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  • Dynamic models of learning stress how small losses can accumulate into large disadvantages with time.

    “Dynamic models of learning stress how small losses can accumulate into large disadvantages with time (56 –58).”

    From Learning loss due to school closures during the COVID-19 pandemic (2021) · cites this paper as [56]

  • Other types of inequality figure prominently in life course research, illustrated by the field's long-standing interest in the role of gender, race, class, and other inequalities in producing divergent financial and health outcomes.

    “Ironically, other types of inequality figure prominently in life course research, illustrated in the field's long-standing interest in the role of gender, race, class, and other inequalities in producing divergent financial and health outcomes (e.g., Dannefer 2003, DiPrete & Eirich 2006, O'Rand 1996).”

    From Centering Age Inequality: Developing a Sociology-of-Age Framework (2022) · cites this paper as DiPrete & Eirich 2006

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Authors
DiPrete, T. A., & Eirich, G. M.
Affiliations
Columbia University (US)
ORCID
DiPrete, Thomas A.
Venue
Annual Review of Sociology
Publisher
Annual Reviews
Published
2006-08-01
Volume
32
Issue
1
Pages
271-297
ISSN
  • 0360-0572 (ISSN-L)
  • 1545-2115
DOI
10.1146/annurev.soc.32.061604.123127
OpenAlex
W2104756321
Cited by
2,069
References
117
Citations by year
2026: 179 · 2025: 163 · 2024: 144 · 2023: 171 · 2022: 139 · 2021: 160 · 2020: 137 · 2019: 128 · 2018: 142 · 2017: 107 · 2016: 155 · 2015: 96 · 2014: 87 · 2013: 60 · 2012: 68
FWCI
5.68
Type
journal article
Language
en
Open access
closed
Locations
Annual Review of Sociology (publishedVersion)
Topics
  • Social Sciences › Sociology and Political Science › Intergenerational and Educational Inequality Studies
  • Social Sciences › Sociology and Political Science › Social and Cultural Dynamics
  • Social Sciences › Sociology and Political Science › Social Power and Status Dynamics
Keywords
Matthew effect, inequality, relative advantage, social mobility, life course, family generations, scientific careers, educational attainment, career development

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