“That’s Just What You Do”: Applying the Techniques of Neutralization to College Hazing

ABSTRACT

Hazing is a prevalent behavior on college campuses that is harmful and can be dangerous, yet remains understudied in sociological literature. While research demonstrates that a majority of undergraduate students who are members of clubs, teams, and organizations experience hazing during college, over half of these students do not consider themselves to have been hazed, indicating a gap between how students experience and understand hazing. To understand this disjuncture, we conducted qualitative interviews with undergraduate students who belong to college organizations where research demonstrates hazing may occur: fraternities, sororities, club sports teams, ROTC, and marching band. Our research findings indicate that participants draw on “techniques of neutralization” to excuse or justify hazing which helps create a university “hazing culture” whereby these behaviors become normalized and pervasive, making university programmatic interventions particularly challenging. Based on our findings, we make recommendations for universities and policymakers who are increasingly integrating anti-hazing programming and policies to address the culture of hazing on U.S. college campuses.

Additional information

Funding

This project was supported by funds from the Vice President's Office for Student Affairs at Colorado State University.

Notes on contributors

Kellie Alexander

Kellie Alexander is a doctoral student in the Department of Sociology at Colorado State University. Her research focuses broadly on issues of crime, law, and deviance. She also researches in the field of green criminology, specifically looking at the production of harm associated with fracking in Colorado.

Tara Opsal

Tara Opsal is an Associate Professor of Sociology at Colorado State University. Broadly, her research focuses on issues related to crime, environmental regulation, and victimization. The goals of her research include illuminating the gaps and unintended consequences of law, policy, and governmental regulation in order to minimize harm to citizens, communities, and the environment.