Matthew Principle

The Matthew Principle describes a pattern where those who already have advantages tend to gain more, while those with fewer resources or opportunities fall further behind. Essentially, success breeds more success, and scarcity leads to further scarcity. The term comes from a biblical verse but is used in various fields like economics, sociology, and science. For example, wealthy students often get better education, increasing their chances of success, while less fortunate students struggle to catch up. This creates a cycle where inequality can intensify over time, highlighting the importance of equitable support to break these loops.