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From Eminent Men to Excellent Universities: University Rankings as Calculative Devices.
Björn Hammarfelt1,2, Sarah de Rijcke2, Paul Wouters2
1Swedish School of Library and Information Science, University of Borås, Allégatan 1, 501 90 Borås, Sweden.
Minerva
|December 5, 2017
Summary
The first university ranking in 1910 by James McKeen Cattell reflected eugenics and statistics of science. This historical analysis reveals how early rankings shaped the concept of academic excellence, influencing today's global university assessments.
Area of Science:
- History of Science
- Sociology of Science
- Higher Education Studies
Background:
- Global university rankings are key metrics for assessing higher education quality.
- The concept of 'calculable' academic quality emerged early in the 20th century.
- Psychology's institutionalization coincided with the eugenics movement and the rise of science statistics.
Purpose of the Study:
- To examine the epistemological rationales and sociopolitical context of the first university ranking (1910).
- To trace the historical shift from 'eminent man' to 'excellent university' as a symbol of scientific strength.
- To identify the enduring influence of early ranking methodologies on contemporary global university assessments.
Main Methods:
- Historical analysis of James McKeen Cattell's 1910 university ranking.
- Examination of the sociopolitical and intellectual climate of the early 20th century.
- Tracing the evolution of metrics for scientific and intellectual strength.
Main Results:
- Cattell's 1910 ranking was influenced by eugenics and the use of science statistics to identify 'great men'.
- The focus shifted from individual "eminent men" to the "excellent university" as a measure of scientific prowess.
- Early ranking practices established precedents for current global university assessment methods.
Conclusions:
- The historical development of university rankings is intertwined with societal values and scientific trends.
- James McKeen Cattell's early ranking system laid groundwork for modern 'calculative devices' in higher education.
- Understanding the origins of university rankings provides critical insight into the ongoing construction of academic 'excellence'.
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