Gladwell's Concept - Case Study Example

 «Gladwell's Concept» Various aspects concerning the personality of an individual have been studied in great depth. Recent advances in the medical field have contributed enormously in this endeavor. However, there have been certain cases of “inexplicable” behavior. Hence in the below sections, the influence of the environment associated with a subject and the extent of this influence on his/her behavior is investigated. Quote1 A model which can accurately predict human behavior despite the various complexities involved has significant implications. The importance of both the environment and of an individual's personality in determining his behavior also has been established through previous literature. However, the extent to which these factors affect the behavior of a person in a given situation is important in understanding and predicting his behavior. It has special significance to fields such as criminology, sociology and in our understanding of the human mind itself. Gladwell examines this concept by taking into account a number of situations. Rather than explain normal circumstances, he puts the theory to the test by examining extreme circumstances such as death and solitary confinement. In understanding the various external factors that influenced the actions of each of the players in the examined cases, the author is able to establish the influence of the external environment, both past environment and the present circumstances, in determining the behavior of an individual. Having studied a couple of such cases, the author makes the below claim with regard to the character of an individual. The author wants to establish, that people generally tend to underestimate the significance of the environment in determining their behavior and that their own personality is more likely to change in extreme circumstances, by stating that "The reason that most of us seem to have a consistent character is that most of us are really good at controlling our environment.." Analysis The above position taken by the author is a very interesting one, especially given our previous understanding of the topic of human personality and its close dependence on genes. The author realizes this and even refers to his own idea as being radical. However, he sticks with his theory of the significance of the environment as being the most important determinant of human behavior through the different cases examined in the study. While the case of Bernhard Goetz brings out the importance of previous environments, the study conducted in Stanford University establishes the significance of the immediate environment as the most important factor. However, in both the cases, the study has been one dimensional in nature. Information about Goetz revealed that he had a troubled childhood and an abusive father. Although external influences had shaped his personality, by the time of the shooting they had become part of it and had assisted in developing his character. In another circumstance of the case, that of the drop in crime rate because of the initiatives of the transit system, it would be worthwhile to note that group behavior was being studied rather than individual behavior which is significantly different and involves different dynamics. Hence, in order to understand the influence of the external environment versus the personality of an individual, it is important to look at a particular circumstance from various perspectives. Bridge Both the quotes highlight the importance of an individual's environment in determining his behavior. While the first quote uses the word "environment", the second one is a case wherein the theory is applied to the field of crime and refers to the external environment as triggers of violence. The second quote is a corollary of the first one which is more general in nature. Quote2 The author has given a great deal of importance to external factors in explaining the behavior of an individual. Although he has applied the concept to human behavior at large, he specifically deals with the field of crime and what induces a person to commit an act of violence. In applying his theory to criminology, the author proposes a solution to violent acts committed in various situations. The author puts forward the idea that violence can be prevented to a great extent by controlling the conditions that act as trigger for violence. Although the author acknowledges the influence of personal histories on an individual, he differentiates between personality and triggers of violence in prompting a person to commit an act of violence. The priority given to environment over personality by the author comes through in the statement "But there is a world of difference in between being inclined toward violence and actually committing a violent act." Analysis While the first quote brings the importance of the external environment, the second one goes one step further and gives the audience the idea that violent acts are completely triggered by external causes. Although the author is able to cite a couple of cases wherein the external environment was used to influence the behavior of a person(s) single-handedly, his argument forms only one part of the bigger picture. The implications of the author's quote can be brought out by applying it to the solution of the problem. While the author proposes that crime is caused by an external trigger, in order to control criminal activity, it is equally important to influence the external environment and the personality of individuals in society. The author's idea is significant in preventing the very act of crime, however, it is also important to give due attention in developing healthy personalities since the relationship between environment and human personality is a two way model in which each factor influences the other. A long term solution necessitates action on both fronts. Insight The author's research is one that is based on the application of theoretical concepts to practical situations. There are clear differences in studying theory and successfully implementing it in the practical field, in fact some theories are ineffective because of challenges associated with implementation. The above cases have established differences between past and present external environment in determining human behavior. Each of these varies depending on the situation and hence can be acted on to influence desirable outcomes. Conclusion The model presented by the author has important implications, in understanding human behavior and hence, to a number of fields in industry, education, etc. However, the advances in science have not resulted in visible improvements in solutions to problems associated with human behavior such as crime, etc. Therefore, the concepts presented by the author forms part of an all encompassing model for understanding and hence for successfully applying to areas concerning human behavior. Works Cited Gladwell, Malcolm. The tipping point: how little things can make a big difference. UK: Little, Brown, 2000. Print. Pallasmaa, Juhani. The eyes of the skin: architecture and the senses. USA: Wiley-Academy, 2005. Print. Read More