ABSTRACT
This introductory chapter of the book “The Power of Rankings in Economics and Research Organizations: Contributions to the Social Studies of Economics” explores the pervasive influence of rankings in economics and research organizations. It examines how quantitative evaluation methods, including various rankings, have shaped academic careers, institutional governance, and the broader research landscape. The chapter highlights the dual role of rankings in reinforcing hierarchies and influencing the production of economic knowledge. It discusses the specific impact of rankings within economics, emphasizing the dominance of top journals and the marginalization of non-mainstream research. The chapter also introduces the volume's three main analytical perspectives: power dynamics in knowledge production, the role of economic networks, and field theory approaches to global university rankings. Through a diverse range of contributions and case studies, the chapter sets the stage for a critical examination of how rankings shape academic excellence and policy across different contexts.
