Simply Explained: Matthew Effect

The Matthew Effect is a sociological and economic phenomenon that describes how “the rich get richer and the poor get poorer.” This concept originates from a passage in the Gospel of Matthew in the New Testament: “For to everyone who has, more will be given, and they will have an abundance; but from the one who has not, even what they have will be taken away.” Hence, the term “Matthew Effect” was coined.

You may have heard: “The Rich will become Richer, and the Poor will become poorer” – which can be seen as a Matthew Effect.

Some people seem to have continuous good luck, with everything going smoothly for them no matter what they do. On the other hand, when some people face misfortune—like falling seriously ill—it feels as if fate has crushed them, with an endless string of setbacks following one after another. This phenomenon is closely related to what we commonly refer to as the “Matthew Effect”: the more resources and opportunities one has, the easier it becomes to gain new ones, while those who are already struggling tend to sink further into hardship.

We often encounter similar situations in life: some people seem to achieve success with ease, while others struggle to change their circumstances despite their best efforts. It’s not merely a matter of luck; it also involves resources, support systems, and society’s feedback on individual development. At times, those who are fortunate tend to have more support and resources to overcome difficulties, while those who are less fortunate may find it challenging to reverse their situation due to a lack of resources.

The Matthew Effect is widely observed in various areas of life:

Economics

Wealthier individuals often have more resources and opportunities to further accumulate wealth, while poorer individuals may become increasingly impoverished due to a lack of resources. For example, wealthy people have more capital to invest and buy assets, which in turn yields more returns.

Education

High-achieving students typically receive more educational resources, attention from teachers, and a sense of accomplishment, which further motivates their learning. Meanwhile, students who struggle academically may receive insufficient support, leading to declining performance.

Workplace

In the workplace, employees who perform well often gain more resources, opportunities, and recognition, further solidifying their status. On the other hand, average-performing employees may remain on the sidelines due to a lack of opportunities.

Scientific Research

Prominent scientists’ research results are more likely to receive recognition and citations, which enhances their reputation further, while other researchers may struggle to gain acknowledgment due to a lack of visibility.

TLDr; Matthew Effect

The Matthew Effect often leads to the concentration of resources and opportunities, reinforcing social and economic inequalities. This phenomenon also highlights the need to focus on issues like resource distribution and educational equity to mitigate the expansion of inequality.

–EOF (The Ultimate Computing & Technology Blog) —