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<p>This paper has three aims. First, it defines the Matthew effect in societies with multiple groups of entities and explores its connection to the butterfly effect from chaos theory, uncovering shared mechanisms that drive inequality—a novel contribution. Second, it presents a method to detect the Matthew effect in both theoretical models and empirical data. Third, it argues that multilayer social network modeling provides the most suitable framework for explaining the Matthew effect when observed in data. By addressing its definition, measurement, and theoretical explanation, this paper offers a comprehensive framework for analyzing the Matthew effect and its role in shaping societal dynamics.</p>

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The Matthew effect: its definition, measurement, and explanation

  • 期刊论文

  • 出版模式：

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  • 发表日期：

    2026年7月21日

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  • Mikael Bask

摘要

This paper has three aims. First, it defines the Matthew effect in societies with multiple groups of entities and explores its connection to the butterfly effect from chaos theory, uncovering shared mechanisms that drive inequality—a novel contribution. Second, it presents a method to detect the Matthew effect in both theoretical models and empirical data. Third, it argues that multilayer social network modeling provides the most suitable framework for explaining the Matthew effect when observed in data. By addressing its definition, measurement, and theoretical explanation, this paper offers a comprehensive framework for analyzing the Matthew effect and its role in shaping societal dynamics.