Near-Winners in Status Competitions: Neglected Sources of Dynamism in the Matthew Effect
Open Access
- 29 November 2017
- journal article
- research article
- Published by SAGE Publications in Journal of Management Inquiry
- Vol. 27 (4), 374-377
- https://doi.org/10.1177/1056492617737711
Abstract
Current research on status hierarchy dynamics focuses on the potential for, and constraints to, individual mobility. In this essay, I argue that Merton’s Matthew Effect incorrectly categorizes activity below a status threshold as linear. This misspecification calls into question existing models of competitions for social status. I argue for an improved theory of status tournaments as asymmetric, non-binary, and agentic. Through that new perspective, I raise questions for the legitimacy and power of stratifying institutions.Keywords
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