Matthew effect

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English[edit]

Etymology[edit]

Coined by sociologist Robert K. Merton in 1968, in reference to Matthew 25:29.[1]

Proper noun[edit]

Matthew effect

  1. (sociology) The phenomenon by which "the rich get richer and the poor get poorer", either in terms of literal wealth or in terms of fame, status, etc.
    Synonym: Matthew principle
    • 2014, Astra Taylor, chapter 4, in The People's Platform: Taking Back Power and Culture in the Digital Age, Henry Holt and Company, →ISBN:
      When we click on the top search results or watch the FrontPage videos on YouTube or read established blogs, we are jumping on invisible bandwagons, causing the Matthew effect to kick in.

See also[edit]

References[edit]

  1. ^ The Holy Bible, […] (King James Version), London: […] Robert Barker, […], 1611, →OCLC, Matthew 25:29.: “For unto every one that hath shall be given, and he shall have abundance: but from him that hath not shall be taken away even that which he hath.”

Further reading[edit]

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