The Matthew Effect in Creative Industries: Why Success Breeds Success

Ever wonder why certain artists and creatives seem to get all the breaks? Meet the Matthew Effect - a powerful sociological phenomenon identified by Robert K. Merton and Harriet Zuckerman in 1968, where early advantages snowball into long-term success. Named after the Gospel of Matthew's observation that "to those who have, more will be given," it's especially prevalent in creative sectors.

According to a 2023 Luminate Year-End Music Report, the music streaming landscape tells the story starkly: On Spotify, Apple Music, and Deezer, just 1% of artists capture nearly 90% of all streams and revenue. That first playlist placement or viral moment triggers a cascade - more streams lead to more algorithmic recommendations, more playlist features, and higher income. Each success becomes a stepping stone to the next, creating an ever-widening gap between the established and the emerging.

This "rich get richer" dynamic isn't just about music. It shapes every creative sector: from Hollywood studios leveraging their hits to fund bigger productions, to prestigious galleries whose reputation attracts collectors, to publishing houses where bestselling authors command ever-larger advances.

Possible solutions? Let's use the Political Economy lens to CCIs (see link below) and stitch innovative policy interventions: targeted support for emerging talent, diversity initiatives, and restructured funding criteria that level the playing field. And let's be clear: these aren't special privileges - they're necessary corrections to a system that naturally concentrates advantage.