| 释义 |
Matthew, n.|ˈmæθjuː|
[The name of the evangelist St. Matthew.]
Matthew effect, a term coined by Robert K. Merton (b. 1910), U.S. sociologist, to describe a tendency whereby more is given to those who already have, spec. whereby established individuals, causes, institutions, etc., receive continued or excessive recognition to the detriment of their less well-established counterparts. Also Matthew principle.
The allusion is to Matt. xxv. 29: ‘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.’
1968R. K. Merton in Science 5 Jan. 58/2 This complex pattern of the misallocation of credit for scientific work must quite evidently be described as ‘the *Matthew effect’... The Matthew effect consists in the accruing of greater increments of recognition for particular scientific contributions to scientists of considerable repute and the withholding of such recognition from scientists who have not yet made their mark. 1976Conc. Oxf. Dict. 625/2, *Matthew principle. 1985Nature 13 June 529/2 Such industrial funds as there may be will probably be distributed on the Matthew principle (‘to him that hath...’) and will be concentrated among the better off. 1987Amer. Sociol. Rev. lii. 146 Merton's (1968) notion of the ‘Matthew effect’ is a reminder that honor begets honor. 1989Brit. Med. Jrnl. 3 June 1498/2 The Matthew effect may be manifested in small ways even in the doctor's outpatient clinic. The well educated, richer sections of the community understand and can comply with the doctor's instructions more easily. The less well educated patients, unable to follow instructions, end up irritating the health personnel. |