Theoretical underpinnings of the university ranking discourse

Abstract The major aim of this contribution is to summarize the theoretical underpinnings most popular rankings, as they have been identified within discourse “world class universities” during first decade 21st century. This period chosen, because thereafter did not elicit further key issues be discussed. Additionally, other dimensions critique will briefly touched upon, notably methodological issues. In framework, attention paid well handling humanities and social sciences such rankings. Finally, question raised, where we are now - some years after a heated controversies about rankings universities”: Are “here stay” thus go on more or less unchanged by fundamental their specific underpinnings, often called “ideological underpinnings”? Do observe changes in ranking mainstream? Can expect new accents higher education policy, which successfully call for another “map” system?