hazing

Hazing refers to activities or situations intended to initiate, admit, or maintain membership in a group by causing new members to endure fatigue, humiliation, harassment, or ridicule. It is most commonly discussed in the context of colleges, universities, athletic teams, clubs, fraternities, sororities, and military units. Hazing can take many forms and may involve peer or senior members enforcing conformity.

Common forms include physical tasks, sleep deprivation, excessive surveillance, humiliating or demeaning acts, forced consumption of food or alcohol, or isolation from peers. Some hazing is subtle and relies on social pressure, while other forms are explicit coercion or coercive rituals. The defining elements are coercion, degradation, and an imbalance of power.

Effects can be serious. Hazing has been linked to physical injury, mental health problems, substance misuse, and even death in extreme cases. It can erode trust and create a climate of fear, undermining teamwork and academic performance. The harms often extend beyond individuals to affect families and communities.

Legally and institutionally, hazing is regulated differently around the world. Many jurisdictions prohibit hazing outright or penalize it, and many schools and organizations maintain anti-hazing policies with disciplinary penalties. Reporting and safeguarding mechanisms, risk management, and mandated education programs are common components of prevention efforts.

Prevention emphasizes inclusion, voluntary participation, and accountability. Policies encourage bystander intervention, clear reporting channels, and independent review of incidents. Education programs aim to change group norms, promote healthy team-building activities, and establish zero-tolerance approaches to coercive practices.