Stratification through rankings – UGC NET Question

Stratification denotes the creation of hierarchical layers in which some institutions enjoy much greater prestige and resources than others. The stem notes that rankings concentrate prestige and funding at the top, which is a classic example of stratification, so “stratification” is the correct completion.

Option A:
Option A is incorrect because egalitarianism implies greater equality, the opposite of the unequal concentration described.

Option B:
Option B is correct as it captures the structured inequality that critics say rankings intensify by repeatedly rewarding already advantaged institutions.

Option C:
Option C is wrong since randomness would mean there is no stable pattern, whereas rankings explicitly order institutions in a hierarchy.

Option D:
Option D is incorrect as uniformity suggests that institutions become similar, not that a few accumulate disproportionate advantage.