Origins and persistent reasons for college sorority and fraternity hazing, particularly in black organizations, are examined, including desire for domination, links to childhood abuse, and homoeroticism. The influences of tradition, peer pressure, the need to belong, and desire for solidarity are also considered. Reviews recent research on the…

Beating of pledges, frequently leading to lawsuits and sometimes to death, has become a serious problem in black fraternities. Although black fraternities officially cracked down on hazing in 1990 in response to a student's death, many fear underground hazing has become even more dangerous. Incidents occur both on black and on white campuses.…