Hazy Perceptions: Understanding Differences in Defining Hazing Activities among College Students and Their Implications

• In Event: Enhancing the Academy: Understanding and Preventing the Various Forms of Victimization on College Campuses

Abstract

Hazing on college campuses is a complex and nuanced topic. While the subject has gained media coverage when tragedy occurs or incidences of hazing activities are leaked to social media, this topic at the university level has received little to moderate sociological attention. Some research estimates that as many as 55 percent of college or high school students have been involved in various activities, and members of differing organizations and teams experience some form of hazing, proving to be a widespread problem. Notably, however, some evidence indicates that young adults often resist understanding hazing activities as such. Clearly, these kinds of attitudes are important to consider when developing anti-hazing programming or campaigns.

This study uses data obtained through semi-structured qualitative interviews of college students to determine in which organizations hazing is more likely to occur, the forms in which this hazing becomes manifest, and the overall trend of attitudes towards hazing activities on a college campus. The findings of this study will be discussed, and policy implications will be considered.

Authors

• Kellie D. Alexander, Colorado State University

• Tara Opsal, Colorado State University