Who Benefits From Increased Scientific Capacity in Chile? The Role of Global University Rankings

• In Event: 16.061 - Roundtable Session 4
  In Roundtable Session: 16.061-12 - Institutional and International Contexts

Abstract

Through a mixed method approach, I analyzed the implications of using global university rankings in the implementation of one of the largest international postgraduate fellowship programs, funded by a Latin American government (Becas Chile). Preliminary findings (applicants 2013 = 515) show that doctorate fellowships have been awarded mostly to study in UK, USA and Spain. Individuals that come from upper social class ended up in the most prestigious universities in comparison to subjects that come from lower social class of origin. These results raise the hypothesis that the utilization of university rankings reinforces the position of power of universities at industrialized countries and the advantages of individuals that grew up with families that had a higher socioeconomic status.

Authors

• Roxana Chiappa, University of Washington - Seattle

• Paulina Perez Mejias, Foreign Service Institute