The Mathew Effect

The Matthew effect describes a situation where those who already have an advantage, like wealth, knowledge, or social status, tend to accumulate even more advantage over time.

The term comes from the Gospel of 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."

Here are some specific areas where the Matthew effect can be seen:

Education: Students who start school with strong reading skills tend to improve faster, while those who struggle initially fall further behind.
Science: Established scientists tend to get more credit for research, even if the work was done by lesser-known colleagues.
Networks: People with higher social status often have access to powerful networks of connections.
Intergenerational Mobility: Children born into privilege are more likely to maintain or improve their social status than those born into poverty.

The Matthew effect plays a significant role in social structure by reinforcing existing inequalities.

There is a cumulative advantage for people with higher social status or wealth because they have access to more resources and opportunities. These advantages allowing them to further increase their social standing. Conversely, people with lower social status often lack the resources and opportunities and it is harder for them to improve their social mobility and climb the social ladder.

The Matthew effect is a complex concept that contributes to social stratification. By understanding how it works, we can work towards mitigating the effects.

Comments

Effects of Colonization in India

Some people still have the illusion that the British Raj was not all that bad. But in reality is that the British Colonial rule as against the interests of the common people of the Indian sub-continent and it destroyed the education system, economy, ancient monuments and livelihood of the people. One can trace the education system in India to third century B.C. Ancient days, the sages and scholars imparted education orally. After the development of letters it took the form of writing. Palm leaves and bark of trees were used for education. Temples and community centers often took the role of schools. When Buddhism spread in India , education became available to everyone and this led to the establishment of some world famous educational institutions Nalanda, Vikramshila and Takshashila. These educational institutes in fact arose from the monasteries. History has taken special care to give Nalanda University , which flourished from the fifth to 13th century AD, full credit for its e...

Internet of Things

The Internet of Things (IoT) refers to a massive network of physical devices embedded with sensors, software, and connectivity that allows them to collect, send, and receive data through the internet or other communication networks. The key elements in IoT are: Devices : These are the "things" in the Internet of Things. They can range from simple devices like connected thermostats to complex machines like industrial robots. Sensors : These are the eyes and ears of the IoT devices. They collect data about the device's environment, such as temperature, pressure, movement, or even air quality. Software : The brain of the IoT device. It processes the data collected by the sensors and makes decisions based on it. It can also communicate with other devices and cloud platforms. Connectivity : The network that allows the IoT devices to communicate. It can be Wi-Fi, Bluetooth, cellular networks, or any other communication protocol. Data Platforms : The data collected by the...

The Pause Principle

The Pause Principle is the practice of intentionally stopping and reflecting before acting. Pausing is a deliberate and strategic act that enables clarity, awareness, and better choices. It is a simple concept with profound implications for leadership, learning, and life. In a world addicted to speed, the idea of slowing down can feel like a failure. We praise hustle. We reward reaction. We glorify multitasking and speed as if they were synonymous with effectiveness. But the best decisions, the most powerful conversations, and the most transformative moments don’t come from speeding up. The term was coined by Kevin Cashman, a leadership coach and author of The Pause Principle: Step Back to Lead Forward. The term captures the essence of a powerful paradox: slowing down can speed up your effectiveness. When we pause, we engage the prefrontal cortex, the part of the brain responsible for complex thinking, empathy, and decision-making. In contrast, reacting impulsively often activates t...

Rise of Indian Nationalism

In India , the decades after the First War for Independence (1857) were a period of growing political awareness, manifestation of public opinion, and emergence of leadership at national and provincial levels. Gloomy economic uncertainties created by British colonial rule and the limited opportunities that awaited for the increasing number of western-educated graduates began to dominate the rhetoric of leaders who had begun to think of themselves as a nation despite differences along the lines of region, religion, language, and caste. Dadabhai Naoroji formed East India Association in 1867, and Surendranath Banerjee founded Indian National Association in 1876. Indian National Congress is formed in 1885 in a meeting in Bombay attended by seventy-three Indian delegates. The delegates were mostly members of the upwardly mobile and successful Western-educated provincial elites, engaged in professions such as law, teaching, and journalism. They had acquired political experience from regio...

Partition of India

Geographical region in ancient India is divided into multiple countries now. Sri Lanka ( Ceylon ) was part of the South Indian kingdoms and part of the Madras presidency of British India . In 1798 it become a separate crown colony and granted independence on February 4, 1948 . Myanmar (old Burma ) was annexed by the British in 1826 and governed as part of the British Indian administration until 1937. There after directly administrated by the British until it granted independence on January 4, 1948 . The countries Nepal and Bhutan had singed treaties with the British designating them as independent states and they were never a part of British India . End of British Raj led to the creation of Dominion of Pakistan (now Islamic Republic of Pakistan) on August 14, 1947 and Union of India (now Republic of India ) on August 15, 1947 . The actual division between the two new dominions was done according to what has come to be known as the Mountbatten Plan . The border between...

MIND Diet

The MIND (Mediterranean–DASH Intervention for Neurodegenerative Delay) diet is a hybrid of the Mediterranean and the DASH (Dietary Approaches to Stop Hypertension) diet. The MIND diet is a brain-healthy eating plan designed to improve cognitive function and reduce the risk of Alzheimer's disease and other forms of dementia. Dementia is a growing concern. It is often preceded years in advance by memory and thinking problems, including cognitive decline and mild cognitive impairment. Interventions that prevent or delay these problems might help to reduce the risk of dementia. The MIND diet merges key features of the Mediterranean and the DASH diets. It aims to protect brain health. The diet features green leafy vegetables and other vegetables, prefers berries over other fruit, and endorses whole grains, beans, nuts, and at least one weekly serving of fish. It limits red meat, sweets, cheese, fast food, and fried foods. Key Principles of the MIND Diet: Focus on plant-based food...

Who am I?

A pure philosophical question. In a world where almost everyone interested to know about others opinion about you, did you ever look inward and see who are true-self? Are you the body? Are you the mind? Or something else? The question of who you are has occupied Western thought for centuries resulting in a diverse tapestry of perspectives. The Enlightenment era brought forth emphasis on the individual as a rational being capable of independent thought and judgment. This led to concepts like personal freedom, individual rights, and the pursuit of self-knowledge. Thinkers like Descartes with his famous "Cogito ergo sum" ("I think, therefore I am") and John Locke with his ideas on individualism and personal identity solidified this notion. Empiricist philosophers like John Locke and David Hume argued that our knowledge and understanding of the world are shaped by our experiences. Our senses and interactions with the environment form the foundation of who we are and...

Freedom

The concept of freedom is constantly evolving and debated, with different cultures and individuals holding diverse views on its meaning and importance. Some common perspectives : Absence of Constraints : Freedom from something, such as freedom from oppression, tyranny, or restrictions on speech, thought, or action. Ability to Act : Freedom to do something, such as pursue one's goals, make choices, or express oneself. Self-Determination : Freedom to control one's own destiny and make choices that shape one's life. Positive Liberty : Freedom to develop one's potential and live a fulfilling life, often requiring support and resources. Negative Liberty : Freedom from interference by others, particularly by the government. Timothy Snyder's book "On Freedom" explores the meaning of freedom and the dangers of its erosion. Snyder argues that freedom is not merely the absence of constraints, but rather the ability to shape our destinies and create a soc...

Self-awareness

Self-awareness is the ability to understand your own thoughts, feelings, behaviors, and motivations. It is like looking at yourself in a mirror, but instead of seeing your physical appearance, you are seeing your inner world. Some key aspects of self-awareness: Understanding your emotions : Recognizing and understanding your feelings, both positive and negative. Knowing your values : Understanding what is important to you and what drives your actions. Recognizing your strengths and weaknesses : Being aware of your abilities and areas where you can improve. Understanding your behavior : Understanding why you act the way you do and how your actions affect others. The Power of Now by Eckhart Tolle is a spiritual guide that encourages readers to live fully in the present moment. It emphasizes that suffering arises from dwelling on the past or worrying about the future, rather than being present. Tolle introduces the concept of the "inner observer", a stat...

History of Entertainment

Entertainment can be understood in a few different ways. Broad Definition : Activity or experience that holds the attention and interest of an audience or gives pleasure and delight. This encompasses a vast range of experiences, from watching a movie to playing a game to attending a concert. Functional Definition : A way to escape from the day-to-day routines and stressors of life. Entertainment provides a break from responsibilities and allows us to relax, recharge, and enjoy ourselves. Social Definition : A shared activity or experience that brings people together. Entertainment can be a powerful tool for fostering social connection and creating shared memories. Psychological Definition : An activity that evokes emotions and engages our cognitive faculties. Entertainment can be exciting, funny, thought-provoking, or even scary, depending on the type of experience it provides. The history of entertainment is a fascinating journey through human creativity and technological innovat...

What's in mind?

Search This Blog