Ideology means the ideas, beliefs, values, and concerns of an individual or a group, and it oen centers on issues concerning power and equality. Gladwell asserts that “The U.S. News rankings turn out...

Ideology means the ideas, beliefs, values, and concerns of an individual or a group, and it oen centers on issues concerning power and equality. Gladwell asserts that “The U.S. News rankings turn out to be full of … implicit ideological choices” (par. 11), such as not including affordability, and valuing “selectivity over efficacy” in its ranking formula (par. 14). Gladwell criticizes rankings in general and the U.S. News ranking system in particular for having harmful effects. Who does a ranking system like that of the U.S. News benefit? Who does it potentially harm? In paragraph 14, Gladwell specifies “affordability” as an important factor or criterion. In light of “the rising cost of college, ” he calls affordability “a significant social problem” (par. 10). What does the omission of price indicate about the ideology behind the U.S. News ranking system? Who should care that some highly qualified students cannot afford to attend the best colleges? Why?