Paths to Success: Beating the Odds in American Society. . - Book Notes - book review

Journal of Sociology and Social Welfare, Dec, 2001

Charles C. Harrington and Susan K. Boardman, Paths to Success: Beating the Odds in American Society. Cambridge, MA: Harvard University Press, 2000. $19.95 papercover.

Social scientists have studies social stratification in the United States for decades and a huge literature on the subject is now available. Much of this research has examined overall mobility trends and the impediments to moving up the occupational ladder. However, much of it has been optimistic in tone, suggesting that American society affords many opportunities for people to achieve success.

Criticizing this research for its limited focus, Harrington and Boardman approach the issue of mobility from a different perspective. They pay attention to those individuals who come from very disadvantages backgrounds but who, nevertheless, have been successful in their careers. Described as `pathmakers' by the authors, they include people from poor families who did not complete high school but who were rated by an expert panel as having achieved high levels of occupational success. Life history interviews were undertaken with 60 pathmakers and a control group of 40 respondents who came from educated and higher income families. The interviews studied schooling, employment history, family and community factors, health and the psychological characteristics of the respondents. Racial and gender factors were also considered.

The authors conclude that psychological factors play a very important role in overcoming disadvantage. The pathmakers had a strong achievement orientation and an internal locus of control. However, sociological factors such as social support networks and significant role models were also important. The study found that religious activity was a relevant factor in accounting for success as was the influence of school teachers and the support of family members.

This interesting study is exploratory in nature but it sheds important light on why some people from disadvantaged families and communities succeed while others do not. By examining the way the pathmakers, as positive outlyers, faced their challenges, the authors have provided valuable information about the role of psychological and sociological factors in social mobility in American society.