The GENERAL CONTEXT of such use is:
competitive hierarchies: Refers to the fact that the inherent competition in Schools by the students via examinations and for academic degrees, is what, in turn, produces the resulting hierarchies which are extant in society.
Also see Father Jerome's BLOG, for info about his latest Book,
"God, Lucifer and You! A ScienceBook of Quantum Physics and Reality, for 5 year old Kids and Adults!"