Learning Objective: This is a discussion class. At the end of the session, the participants are expected to be able to express their thoughts and opinions freely on the issue of hazing.


Definition of Hazing

Hazing is a term used to describe various rituals and other activities involving harassment, abuse or humiliation used as a way of initiating a person into a group.


Hazing is seen in many different types of groups, including in gangs, clubs, sports teams, schools, military units, and workplaces and fraternities.

In the United States and Canada, hazing is often associated with Greek-letter organizations (college fraternities and sororities). It is similar to the Indian phenomenon of ragging.

Hazing is often prohibited by law and may be either physical (possibly violent) or mental (possibly degrading) practices. It may also include nudity or sexually oriented activities.



Further information: Hazing in Greek letter organizations

According to one of the largest National Survey regarding hazing including over 60,000 student athletes from 2,400 colleges and universities, coordinated by Dr Nadine C. Hoover of Alfred University, the August 30, 1999 "National Survey: Initiation Rites and Athletics for NCAA Sports Teams";

"Over 325,000 athletes at more than 1,000 National Collegiate Athletic Association schools participated in intercollegiate sports during 1998-99. Of these athletes:

• More than a quarter of a million experienced some form of hazing to join a college athletic team.

• One in five was subjected to unacceptable and potentially illegal hazing. They were kidnapped, beaten or tied up and abandoned. They were also forced to commit crimes – destroying property, making prank phone calls or harassing others.

• Half were required to participate in drinking contests or alcohol-related hazing.

• Two in five consumed alcohol on recruitment visits even before enrolling.

• Two-thirds were subjected to humiliating hazing, such as being yelled or sworn at, forced to wear embarrassing clothing or forced to deprive oneself of sleep, food or personal hygiene.

• One in five participated exclusively in positive initiations, such as team trips or ropes courses."

The armed forces have long had hazing rituals, which often involve violence and punishments. The United States military defines hazing as unnecessarily exposing a fellow soldier to an act which is cruel, abusive, oppressive, or harmful. The Army maintains that they do not condone hazing, as it is not congruent with their value system.

In the US hard hazing practices from World War I boot camps were introduced into colleges.

In Poland army hazing is called Polish fala "wave" adopted pre-World War I from non-Polish armies.

In the British Army it doesn't have a specific name as it isn't seen as a ritual of any sort, but similar incidents occur in the early ranks.

In the Russian army (formerly the Red Army) hazing is called "Dedovshchina".

Police forces, especially those with a paramilitary tradition, or sub-units of police forces such as tactical teams, may also have hazing rituals.

Rescue services, such as lifeguards or air-sea rescue teams may have hazing rituals.

The senior ranks within Boy Scout Troops have sometimes developed hazing practices.

Some workplaces use hazing to initiate newly hired employees. Inmate hazing is also common at prisons around the world, including frequent reports of beatings and sexual assaults by fellow inmates.


Discussion and Free Conversation Proeper.

What is your stand about hazing?

Is there any existing practice like this in Japan?

Would you be interested in joining any group or organization which have this kind of ritual (hazing)?

What can be done to address the issue of hazing?