Matthew effect
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.
Proper noun
- 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.
- 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. - 2014, Astra Taylor, chapter 4,...
Synonyms: Matthew principle
Origin
Coined by sociologist Robert K. Merton in 1968, in reference to Matthew 25:29.