The Evolution of Hazing: Motivational Mechanisms and the Abuse of Newcomers

Abstract

Hazing -the abuse of new or prospective group members -is a widespread and puzzling feature of human social behavior, occurring in divergent cultures and across levels of technological complexity. Some past research has examined the effect of hazing on hazees, but no experimental work has been performed to examine the motivational causes of hazing. This paper has two primary objectives. First, it synthesizes a century of theory on severe initiations and extracts three primary explanatory themes. Second, it examines the dynamics of enduring human coalitions to generate an evolutionary theory of hazing. Two laboratory experiments suggest that one potential function of hazing is to reduce newcomers' ability to free ride around group entry. These results are discussed in light of two common but largely untested explanations of hazing.

The Ties That Bind Us

“…Likewise, to serve as a convincing signal of commitment to the group, participation would have to be freely undertaken. And yet in all or most of the initiation rituals described by anthropologists, participation is coerced (Cimino 2011). If the penalties for flinching or running away are certain death, the prospects of suffering but surviving the ritual ordeal are comparatively attractive (Whitehouse 2004).…”

Hazing Violence: Practices of Domination and Coercion in Hazing in Portugal

“…According to Cimino (2011), hazing is an initiation rite required to welcome someone into university. This rite can be quite similar to other initiations that happen in many types of groups such as gangs, sports teams, military units, schools, and universities.…”

“…However, some studies point to the increase of physical violence in hazing rituals among women (Allan, 2005). When hazing is conducted among men, it is often considered a test to their strength, courage, and determination, using the justification of "commitment theory" (Cimino, 2011) for the severe physical hazing and tests where they have to withstand pain, humiliation, or excessive alcohol consumption, considering them challenges to overcome in the pursuit of the most worthy elements to integrate the group. Allan (2005) referred that the social differences imposed on men and women also have an impact on hazing.…”

Hazing and Organizational Tradition in a Higher Education Institution in the Philippines: What Has the Law Got to Do with It?

“…Some scholars consider hazing as [2] negatively affecting student self esteem while Cornell University, and Penn State University, associated alcohol consumption to it. It is also considered as a means to consolidate Greek societies and prevent the entrance of "free riders" [3]. It is a mechanism of screening the applicant and integrating him to the group.…”