Hazing as a Manifestation of Evolved Psychology

Abstract

Hazing is the abuse of new or prospective group members. What motivates individual hazing behavior? Why does hazing take particular but reliable forms in some organizations? Using experimental, ethnographic, and archival research methods, this dissertation explores general motivational predictors of hazing behavior as well as specific manifestations of hazing in college social fraternities. Results suggest (1) consistent predictors of hazing that may reflective adaptive problems within human ancestral environments, and (2) context-specific manifestations of hazing that may represent a variety of cognitive processes and social negotiations. Findings are discussed in light of hazing's abiding need for systematic research and hypothesis testing.