Matthew Effect

The Matthew Effect describes the phenomenon where those who have initial advantages tend to accumulate more benefits over time, while those with fewer advantages often fall further behind. Named after a biblical passage, it illustrates how success often breeds more success—like students with early rewards gaining more opportunities—whereas initially disadvantaged individuals face increasing challenges. In essence, the effect highlights how small differences at the start can lead to larger disparities later, emphasizing the importance of early intervention and support to promote equality of opportunity.