What is the Matthew effect?
The Matthew effect describes how those with an early advantage gain more opportunities and resources, widening gaps over time. The name comes from Matthew 25:29; sociologist Robert Merton introduced the concept in *Science* in 1968.
📌 At a glance
- Named by
- Robert K. Merton (1968)
- Source
- Matthew 25:29
- Also called
- Cumulative advantage
Examples
Merton found eminent scientists receive disproportionate credit. Stanovich (1986) described how early good readers read more and pull further ahead. Similar dynamics appear with wealth and recommendation algorithms. Income inequality can be tracked with the Gini coefficient.
Frequently asked questions
- What is the Matthew effect?
- Cumulative advantage in which the advantaged gain more, widening gaps.
- What is the Matthew effect in reading?
- Early strong readers read more and improve faster, while struggling readers fall further behind.
References
- Merton, R. K. (1968). The Matthew effect in science. Science, 159(3810), 56–63.
- Stanovich, K. E. (1986). Matthew effects in reading: Some consequences of individual differences in the acquisition of literacy. Reading Research Quarterly, 21(4), 360–407.