Crowdfunding and the Matthew Effect: Examining Structural Inequalities through a Systematic Review[Le financement participatif et l'effet Matthieu : analyse des inégalités structurelles à travers une revue systématique]

Crowdfunding is presented as a democratizing financial tool that enhances access to capital. However, rather than eliminating financial barriers, it frequently reinforces structural inequalities. This study examines these disparities to understand how crowdfunding perpetuates funding inequities and explores potential avenues for more inclusive mechanisms using a systematic approach. By analysing 33 papers on crowdfunding inequalities through the PRISMA methodology, the study focuses on five key dimensions: geographic location, race and gender, institutional hierarchies, health-related fundraising, and reputation-based advantages. The results indicate persistent funding inequalities across multiple dimensions. Geographic location impacts crowdfunding success, with urban and developed regions benefiting more than rural or developing areas. Racial and gender biases disadvantage women and racial minorities, limiting their access to financial support. Institutional hierarchies and reputation-based advantages further exacerbate funding gaps. The study underscores the need for more inclusive crowdfunding frameworks that actively address funding disparities. Policy interventions, platform design, improvements, and regulators measures, such as algorithmic transparency, targeted support for underrepresented groups, and equitable platform policies can enhance accessibility for marginalized communities. By categorizing crowdfunding inequalities, this study provides a comprehensive overview of how digital financial ecosystems amplify disparities. Unlike previous fragmented analyses, it integrates multiple inequality dimensions, offering a holistic perspective on the systemic challenges with crowdfunding.