The Triple Threat with Amy Chua and Jed Rubenfeld

In their new book, The Triple Package, Yale law professors AMY CHUA and JED RUBENFELD argue that there are three traits shared by successful cultural groups in America: a belief in their superiority, a feeling of insecurity and an ability to control impulses. The authors support their thesis using primarily the examples of Jews, Mormons, Iranians, Indians, Lebanese, Nigerians, Cubans and Chinese – cultural groups who they say are among the wealthiest, healthiest and high-achieving of all Americans. While the book has been the subject of some controversy and criticism, it does raise interesting questions about what makes people succeed. Chua’s previous book is Battle Hymn of the Tiger Mother, and Rubenfeld is the author of scholarly books on constitutional law and two novels, The Death Instinct and The Interpretation of Murder. They join us in the studio in this hour of Radio Times.