The Tipping Point

Historical Context and Significance

Published in 2000, Malcolm Gladwell's «The Tipping Point» had a significant impact on the understanding of social change and the dissemination of ideas. Gladwell introduces the concept of the «tipping point» as a critical juncture where small changes can lead to substantial effects. He uses examples from various fields, such as fashion, epidemiology, and business, to show how ideas, products, and behavioral changes can spread like viruses. The book popularized the notion of «social contagion» and highlighted the importance of key individuals, whom Gladwell calls «connectors», «mavens», and «salesmen», in the process of spreading information. «The Tipping Point» became a bestseller and influenced marketing, business strategies, and social sciences, spurring further research into information dissemination and the influence of social networks.