Epidemics are influenced by the specific social, cultural, and environmental factors present during their emergence. This means that the context surrounding an epidemic can drastically affect its spread and impact. Different locations and times provide unique conditions that either facilitate or hinder the growth of such health crises.

In "The Tipping Point," Malcolm Gladwell emphasizes that understanding these contextual elements is crucial to comprehending how and why epidemics occur. By examining how small changes can trigger larger societal shifts, one can better grasp the dynamics that fuel the spread of diseases and ideas alike.