A social problem: Fraternities & Hazing
A social problem is qualified as a problem “if the public or some segment of the public perceive the condition as a problem, and it exists when there is certain objective condition and society define it problematic.” (Nasibov) An on-going social problem among universities across the country involves college fraternities and hazing. Hazing is an issue that consistently reemerges. A large percentage of hazing incidents result in serious injuries, or at times, death. Any event that causes death and despair so often when it could be prevented is a social problem. Hazing individuals is a problem within the community and universities, and therefore society.
Each year, millions of young adults apply and attend college to pursue higher education. As they begin a new chapter in their lives, they are exposed to college fraternity/sorority parties, which lead some of these individuals to pledge to become a full-member. Unfortunately, most people have no idea what they are getting themselves into, and for some, it leads to death. This problem has been around for a long time and goes as far back as when colleges and fraternities began. Fraternities have been around as long as colleges/universities have, dating back in the early 1600s. In order to be a part of a fraternity, one has to pledge, to prove himself worthy of the house “letters” and name. This is the cause of hazing. Vivian de Klerk from Rhodes University defines hazing in her article “Initiation, Hazing or Orientation?” as a “form of initiation imposed by the group on a newcomer that leads to harassment, abuse and humiliation.” (Klerk) Such actions include physical abuse, mental abuse, favors, drugs and alcohol. According to the University of Connecticut Greek Life Council, 82% of hazing deaths were alcohol related. (UConn Greek Council) Since 2005, 59 deaths involved college fraternities and hazing, and more than 50% of those deaths were alcohol related. There was an incident in 2012, at the Northern
Each year, millions of young adults apply and attend college to pursue higher education. As they begin a new chapter in their lives, they are exposed to college fraternity/sorority parties, which lead some of these individuals to pledge to become a full-member. Unfortunately, most people have no idea what they are getting themselves into, and for some, it leads to death. This problem has been around for a long time and goes as far back as when colleges and fraternities began. Fraternities have been around as long as colleges/universities have, dating back in the early 1600s. In order to be a part of a fraternity, one has to pledge, to prove himself worthy of the house “letters” and name. This is the cause of hazing. Vivian de Klerk from Rhodes University defines hazing in her article “Initiation, Hazing or Orientation?” as a “form of initiation imposed by the group on a newcomer that leads to harassment, abuse and humiliation.” (Klerk) Such actions include physical abuse, mental abuse, favors, drugs and alcohol. According to the University of Connecticut Greek Life Council, 82% of hazing deaths were alcohol related. (UConn Greek Council) Since 2005, 59 deaths involved college fraternities and hazing, and more than 50% of those deaths were alcohol related. There was an incident in 2012, at the Northern