Hazing and initiation rites do not contribute to strengthening the social bond between members of student groups. This has been observed by researchers in student fraternities in the United States.
- In France, hazing is defined as “the fact for a person, to bring others, against their will or not, to undergo or to commit humiliating or degrading acts during demonstrations, or meetings related to school and socio-economic circles. educational”.
- It is punishable by law. The penalty is six months in prison and a fine of 7,500 euros. This prohibition also applies “with the consent of the person”.
- The penalties are doubled when they affect a physically and mentally fragile person.
In the United States, fraternities and sororities allow young freshmen and female students to become part of an extended network of acquaintances. Gathered around a base of common values, generally solidarity, mutual aid, commitment, they are however sometimes marred by scandals, in particular about hazings which turn into drama.
The real link builder is fun
These initiation rituals can range from various playful chores to sleep deprivation or humiliation and often include extreme alcohol consumption. While it has long been assumed that they engender solidarity among members by proving their devotion to the group, they may not be the best social cement, according to a new study published in the journal Evolution and Human Behavior.
Kent State University researchers had unfiltered access to six groups of students who participated in a 10-week fraternity onboarding process. They report that hazing has not strengthened group solidarity, especially when it takes the form of mental or physical violence. According to them, extreme hazing rituals are above all effective in putting aside less engaged hazings. However, they still fail to make the remaining pledges feel connected to the group. It is “fun” that seems to create the real bond between the members of the fraternity.
Conduct additional research
The authors of the study emphasize that research on the subject of solidarity within student groups needs to be deepened and that different angles need to be tested. However, they note that fraternity leaders should consider replacing potentially harmful hazing activities with more “fun” socializing events.
