What Drives Success

In this article, Chua and Rubenfeld (2014) have discussed factors that drive success. These authors have evaluated various cultural groups and concluded that success is not attributed to genetic factors but is driven by cultural factors. They identified three cultural factors that drive success among social groups: superiority complex, insecurity and impulse control. The author described superiority as a deep-seated belief in the exceptionality while the described insecurity as a feeling that one or what she or he does is not good enough. They describe impulse control as the ability to resist temptations. These three traits work together to give rise to people who sacrifice present gratification in pursuit of future attainment.

Superiority complex is a critical factor for success. According to the article, Mormons are success because they believe that they are an Island of morality in a sea of immorality. Jews are also successful because they believe that the God’s chosen people. However, superiority alone cannot bring success as it bleeds complacency when acting on its own. Superiority must exist alongside insecurity in order to realize success. The article gives more than a few examples that demonstrate that insecurity is a critical ingredient for success. The article cites the Ruben Rumbaut study of 5,000 immigrants’ children, which found that these kids were frequently motivated to achieve because of an acute sense of obligation to redeem the sacrifices that their parents have made. It also cites the Studies by Vivian Louie, which found that Chinese immigrants’ parents impose exorbitant academic expectations of their children making them feel that family honor depends on their success. Insecurity must also exist alongside superiority as insecurity alone can be crippling. The article also claims that every one of American successful groups inculcates habits of discipline among their children from a very early age. They exhibit a high level of impulse control. Their actions are future-oriented. Impulse control must go with the other two traits in order to achieve success. Impulse alone produces asceticism.

Critique

Chua and Rubenfeld (2014) article has several strength and limitation. A significant strength of the article is that the authors have supported their argument with findings of empirical studies. The authors have cited studies by popular scholars such as Ruben Rumbert and Vivian Louie in support of the argument. This factor gives their argument more authority and credibility. Another strong point in this article is that the authors have made significant use of statistics to support their arguments. The authors have included figures relating to the household incomes of various ethnic groups and SAT scores of children from different background. Use of statistics also increases the strength of the argument. The use of real life stories of individuals also adds to the persuasiveness of the Chua and Rubenfield argument. The approach that the authors have used to present their argument gives the article another plus. The authors have used a simple narration style that make the article interesting to follow and the content easy to understand. The authors have deviated from the complex and technical style scholarly writing and use a writing style that appeals to the general audience.

The article has a few downsides. The first downside relates to the methodology that the authors have used to come up with their claims. While the authors have backed up their argument using findings of studies, statistics, and personal stories, they did not use a systematic approach to identifying these supporting evidences. The lack of a systematic method of collecting evidence waters down these authors’ argument as other scholars cannot validate the argument by replicating these authors’ methods.

Reference

Chua, A., & Rubenfeld, J., (2014). What Drives Success? New York Times.

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