Abstract
Hazing is an ancient, universal practice. In past and modern societies, the need to join a group is an aspect of humanity. The process of joining a group frequently includes the need to be hazed to legitimate full membership. This article uses the theoretical frameworks of Foucault and Bourdieu’s perspectives of social order, Tajfel and Turner’s theory of social identity, and Bandura’s theory of moral disengagement to inform the phenomenon of individuals joining groups. In particular, the study has sought to ascertain why those who haze are motivated to act. A grounded theory was developed through interviewing young adults, who planned hazing activities while in positions of leadership as Grade 12 learners in Gauteng schools. The grounded theory shows that hazing although enacted by an individual is not solely driven by that person, but rather hazing is a means of cultural reproduction. The developed theory is grounded and was verified through interviewing stakeholders in the school community who had extensive knowledge of the school culture and of Grade 12 learners.
Highlights
Hazing refers to the negative aspects that arise when an individual, through a process, joins and becomes a fully integrated, functional, and accepted member of a group (Bauer et al, 2015; Hoover, 1999)
Within the context of this article, the definition used is that proposed by Allan and Madden (2008) which defines hazing as “any activity expected of someone joining a secondary school that humiliates, degrades, abuses or endangers them regardless of their willingness to participate in the activity” (p. 2)
The grounded theory informed by the theory of cultural reproduction and power in society (Bourdieu and Foucault) and Tajfel and Turner’s theory of social identity explain the dynamics of the drivers of hazing
Summary
Hazing refers to the negative aspects that arise when an individual, through a process, joins and becomes a fully integrated, functional, and accepted member of a group (Bauer et al, 2015; Hoover, 1999). Hazing is referred to by several terms: initiation, fagging, or ragging. Within the context of this article, the definition used is that proposed by Allan and Madden (2008) which defines hazing as “any activity expected of someone joining a secondary school that humiliates, degrades, abuses or endangers them regardless of their willingness to participate in the activity” In the South African context, according to Huysamer and Lemmer (2013), the term that describes the process of becoming affiliated to and assimilated with a new secondary school, university, or sports team or club is initiation—or ontgroening (Afrikaans translation). Initiation is not designed to be either a negative or a harmful process, but the neutrality of the process is difficult to guarantee
Sign-in/Register to view highlights & summary Sign-in/Register to access full text options 
Talk to us
Join us for a 30 min session where you can share your feedback and ask us any queries you have
Schedule a callDisclaimer: All third-party content on this website/platform is and will remain the property of their respective owners and is provided on "as is" basis without any warranties, express or implied. Use of third-party content does not indicate any affiliation, sponsorship with or endorsement by them. Any references to third-party content is to identify the corresponding services and shall be considered fair use under The CopyrightLaw.
