Culture of Honor
This region of the United States is most associated with the "culture of honor"
The American South
These two families in Harlan County were central to a major feud Gladwell describes
The Howards and Turners
Rice farming requires far more of this compared to Western wheat farming
Labor
Students from this region tend to perform better in math, according to Gladwell.
East Asia
According to Gladwell, why do East Asian students do better in math?
Because of cultural values - consistent effort and persistence
Malcolm Gladwell connects the Southern culture of honor to this original occupation of Scotch-Irish settlers.
Herding
The root cause of many Appalachian feuds was tied to this inherited cultural mindset.
Culture of Honor
Successful rice farmers needed this kind of careful, detail-oriented skill
Precision
Gladwell explains that this factor—working harder for longer periods—explains much of math success.
Persistence or time spent practicing
What is a "culture of honor"?
A culture where people defend reputation with aggression
In a culture of honor, people respond strongly to this type of personal attack
This kind of economy makes people defensive of their livestock and identity, contributing to honor-based violence.
Herding economy
Rice paddies require constant adjustments to water levels, which Gladwell uses as a metaphor for this cognitive trait.
Persistence or problem-solving
What do Asians do more consistently than others when faced with a math questionnaire and what does it indicate?
Why do rice paddies require so much precision and effort?
Water control, timing, hand labor, constant monitoring
Gladwell shares this psychological experiment where Southerners reacted more aggressively than Northerners
Feuds like those in Harlan often escalated because of this cycle, where one act of violence triggers another.
Revenge
The year-round nature of rice farming contrasts with wheat farming, which is mostly done in this season.
Fall harvest season
Gladwell argues that how a culture approaches math is less about natural talent and more about this.
Attitude or work ethic
How are rice farming and math problem-solving similar, according to the chapter?
Both reward patience, step-by-step thinking, and willingness to struggle
This term describes how cultural tendencies can persist long after the original conditions that created them disappear.
Cultural legacy
Gladwell argues that these violent patterns came from the cultural backgrounds of settlers from this region of Europe.
Scotch-Irish borders
Gladwell argues Asian students succeed in math partly because of the cultural legacy of rice farming, which he calls this kind of advantage.
A cultural legacy related to work ethic and diligence.
This famous number often linked to Gladwell shows how long it takes to master a difficult skill.
10,000 hour rule
Explain in 10 seconds -> Why meaningful work creates success.
Judges decide