What does the Matthew effect describe?

The Matthew effect describes the phenomenon where the rich tend to get richer, a concept that derives its name from a biblical verse in the Gospel of Matthew which emphasizes that those who have more will continue to gain, while those who have less will continue to lose. This effect can be observed in various domains, including wealth accumulation, education, and social status. For example, individuals or entities that already have a substantial amount of resources, such as money, connections, or knowledge, have more opportunities to further enhance their advantages. This can create a cycle of growing inequality, where initial advantages lead to even greater benefits over time, perpetuating social stratification.

The focus on the tendency for wealth and advantages to accumulate among those who are already prosperous highlights significant implications in discussions about inequality and social mobility.