Fraternity and Sorority Hazing - Essay Example

Sorority and Hazing Sorority is a group of female students in a University or College institutions. Hazing is an acceptable behavior that usually stems up from these groups which is mostly because of peer pressure and influence. Introduction Society has viewed this topic of behavior as deviant because it leads to traumatic side effects and even death. Hazing has resulted to several deaths in the colleges and Universities and even in military camps. Hazing also results in great physiological harm leading to depression and low self-esteem among students involved. Hazing and sororities hinders learning environment for many students especially in the US where the behavior is mostly common [Bar07]. Hazing has been a problem that has affected student for quite a long time but little or no research has been done on the issue. Hazing is a deviant social behavior in the society since mostly it is associated with the negative side effects in the society. Several research conducted indicate that most students participating in hazing and sorority consumed large amounts of alcohol which is a negative social norm in the society. Other behaviors with negative side effects associated with sorority and hazing include participation in sexual harassment. There is also a forceful interaction and association with specific people and not people of one’s choice. Racial discrimination and ethnicity is among the deviant behaviors that surround those students in sorority and hazing groups. Chances of humiliation are high in sorority and hazing groups, which is a deviant behavior in the society [Bru07]. Cases of putting on specific kinds of clothing are part of sorority and hazing functions, which still falls under negative social norms in the society. Cases of negative contribution to the society due to hazing and sorority are not exhaustive but the above-mentioned are useful in this discussion. However, several scholars have undertaken research and documented their findings showing that hazing and sorority does not only lead to negative behavior but also results in positive outcomes due to strong social and cultural interaction. This paper looks at both quantitative and qualitative traits used in conducting research on hazing. The dependent variables used in reviewing this research paper include the relationship of hazing and sorority with cognitive development. Another dependent variable is strong socializing skill development in relation to hazing. There is also a strong correlation between hazing and civic engagement. Culture and race is a dependent variable in relation to hazing indicating a strong coefficient. A study conducted in universities and US colleges aimed at investigating the extent to which hazing influences behavior of students. The research also aimed at offering solutions based on the response of the data collected. The research also includes other surveys and studies already done in finding out the impact of sorority and hazing in the society. According to Debard et al, 2006 [DeB06], half of the students in campus who are in groups such as teams, clubs, and organizations experience hazing. Another finding is that hazing is a phenomenon that is occurring in ranges of students and not only a cross section of students. Another interesting hazing finding indicates that alcohol, sex, Isolation, sleep deprivation, and humiliation are some of the most common hazing practices amongst the students in campus. Findings indicate that most of the students are much aware of hazing meeting places. Meeting places such as rooms are well known and most of the students confess about avoiding such places for fear of humiliation. A good population of students confirms that administration, coaches, and alumni students are aware of the hazing problem in institutions. Most of the students who practiced hazing believe that it has a positive outcome meant to strengthen the group relationship while at the same time strengthening cue and relationship ties within the groups. 95% of students from almost all the survey indicate that they are not willing to report any of hazing cases to the administration for fear of being punished by the group members. Other student believes that hazing is a normal culture in such institutions and therefore finds no offense in participating in it. It is for this reason that hazing is popular and is a continuous cycle in colleges, universities, and military camps among others in the US. Amazingly, according to Caron et al (2004) [Car04] the findings indicate that most of the students who join the university or colleges have already experienced hazing somewhere else hence making hazing a normal culture. Most of the students who tolerate hazing do not like being associated with the behaviors despite the fact that they actively participate in it. From the findings above, we can choose independent variables and dependent variables. Dependent variables are variables that cannot support themselves and rely on the outcomes of independent variable. Culture is as an independent variable since the data collected shows that students assume that hazing is a culture. It therefore means that because of that perception students will keep on with the behavior as a rational conclusion that it is part of the culture. Students joining institutions having experienced cases of hazing in the past perceive hazing as a normal behavior. Sexual harassment is an independent variable having a direct relationship with hazing behavior in future. Results indicate that students who are sexually harassed while joining the institutions are more likely to be sororities in future and remain bound in groups. This is because they believe that hazing is a continuous cycle of behavior used in welcoming new members into the society. A further aspect of this belief is that the students believe that hazing unites them and gives them a sense of belonging. Diversity in terms of race is also an independent variable in discussion. The findings indicate that hazing occurs distinctively between blacks and whites. These findings depend on the majority of students in the institutions. If the black students are the majority, the whites are likely to suffer most of the hazing cases and vise vasa. Sororities and organizations have high chances of succeeding if only the incorporate diverse culture into their groups according to Boschini and Thompson (1998) [Bos98]. The ethical background has a traditional sense of belonging due to the sense of ownership. A white student will be free for the first few days in an institution with fellow white students. This natural phenomenon happens to anyone. Another finding is the cognitive development in relation to sorority and hazing. Dependent variable cognitive development shows a direct correlation with strong membership, involvement, and strong background involvement. According to Pike, (2000) [Pik00], students who belong to sorority groups and hazing groups enjoyed the institutions facilities more than their counterparts did. The students also experience cognitive and social development than the rest. This is because the students feel a sense of belonging and gain courage in everything they do while knowing that the group will offer protection materially and physically in case of the consequences of their actions. The students also enjoy higher education success because of the integration they have. The findings indicate that dependent variable in this case cognitive development was directly correlated to the group ties and affiliations that students enjoyed while in this groups and partnership. The research also shows that cognitive outcomes of members of sorority must not be negative but can also be positive. However, results indicates that during the first year in an institution sorority and hazing shows negative outcomes in cognitive development but this changes in second year and consequent years as the students adapt to the environment. Whipple and Sullivian (1998) [Whi98] identified social capital as an independent variable with direct correlation to hazing and sororities. Their findings show that students who belonged to hazing and sorority groups develop good social and communication skills. The collective aspects of the members help them in understanding each other and consequently help them in developing their communication skills. Data indicates that sorority and hazers volunteer in service-related activities in the institutions. Further research shows that students coming from strong social groups have strong network background are more than willing to participate in charitable organizations. Gregory (2003) realized that students who are members are sorority fraternity has possessed greater tendencies in participating in civic activities. The dependent variable civic engagement is due to the strong relationship and ties that develop form sorority and hazing groups. In addition to this, Field (2003) determined that civic engagement showed a positive correlation with civic engagement because of the strong social skills developed in sorority and hazing groups. Field further suggests that alumni students who were members of certain hazing and sorority groups have a higher tendency of contributing back to their institution through volunteer work. Conclusion The common findings in the research analysis indicate that hazing and sorority is an assumption of culture in most institutions because of the strong social bind that it creates amongst students. A common finding in almost all the research indicate that during the initial stages of a person joining a sorority or a hazing group, the person experiences negative side effects but with continuous interaction with time the person has higher chances of succeeding cognitively and socially. Other variable that need research is the effect of sorority and hazing management. Research should also be done on the positive effects of sorority and hazing and avoid a generalization that sorority and hazing are purely deviant actions in the society. Works Cited Bar07: , (Barry 2007), Bru07: , (Bruce), DeB06: , (DeBard), Car04: , (Caron), Bos98: , (Boschini), Pik00: , (Pike), Whi98: , (Whipple), Read More