Hazing

Hazing is a practice that involves harassment, abuse or humiliation used as a way of initiating a person into a group. Hazing is seen in many different types of social groups, including gangs, sports teams, schools, military units, and fraternities and sororities. The initiation rites can range from relatively benign pranks to protracted patterns of behavior that rise to the level of abuse or criminal misconduct.

Definition

Hazing is often prohibited by law or prohibited by institutions such as colleges and universities because it may include either physical or psychological abuse. It may also include humiliation, nudity, alcohol or drug use, sex acts, and other activities. Hazing is often justified by its perpetrators as a harmless and even beneficial rite of passage. The specific rituals involved in hazing can vary widely between different cultures, and even between different social and institutional contexts within the same culture.

Effects

The effects of hazing can be severe, with numerous physical, psychological, and social consequences. These may include physical harm, stress-induced illnesses, loss of personal dignity, loss of trust in others, increased risk of suicide, and negative effects on the family and friends of those involved. Hazing can also lead to serious legal consequences, as it is a criminal offense in many jurisdictions.

Prevention

Prevention of hazing involves education, policy development, and enforcement. Many institutions have anti-hazing policies that clearly define what constitutes hazing and the penalties for those found guilty of hazing. These policies often include a process for reporting hazing incidents and for providing support to those who have been hazed.

See also

• Bullying
• Harassment
• Initiation
• Ritual
• Abuse

References

Hazing Resources
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