UoP Proceedings

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Browsing UoP Proceedings by Subject "Abuse"

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    Abuse, harassment and torture University style: a study of the forms and practices of ragging in the University of Peradeniya
    (University of Peradeniya, 1998-11-07) Athukorale, K.; Pinnawala, S.
    Department of Sociology, Faculty of Arts, University of Peradeniya. Legitimization of change of social status of individual members in traditional societies is done through a ritualistic process called initiation. A number of contemporary institutions are known to maintain similar traditions as part of their sub-culture. Ragging in the Universities is one such sub-cultural tradition. However, unlike the initiation rituals in traditional societies many of the modem day initiation practices are harmful to society and the individual. The aim of the paper is to understand the types and forms of ragging and to examine whether it can be considered an initiation ritual. The analysis is based on a survey that was carried out in 1995 in the University of Peradeniya. The use of 1995 data is justified as two years is not long enough to have any significant changes in the types and forms of ragging and its social basis. The study showed that ragging practices can be classified into two groups. The first is the activities that cause physical pain, leading even to injuries, on those who are ragged. The second is those that take the form of verbal abuse causing mental strain. The injuries caused by the latter are not often visible and immediate. Of the activities of ragging the majority fall into the first group. Ragging activities in the University show a parallel between hazing in the United States and ragging here indicating to a gradual Americanization of ragging in this country. Ragging in its physical form is predominantly a male activity. The clear majority of the students who are engaged in this form of ragging and those who are subjected to it are males. In inflicting mental abuse however both males and females showed similar involvement. Ragging across gender almost exclusively takes place in the form of verbal abuse. Ragging showed a close association with the socio-economic background of those who are involved. Contrary to the popular belief it is those who come from rural areas, regional schools and those who belong to low income groups are the ones who often get ragged and are very often the perpetrators of ragging. There is also a close relationship between ragging and political activities in the campus. Ragging is manipulated by political groups to recruit members. This happens in two ways. One way is to win the student over through sympathy. The other way is by subjecting one to extreme ragging. It helps to identify the stronger personalities and those who are won over in this manner remain loyal to the cause and the leadership. The claim that ragging promotes solidarity and friendship and also a great leveler is unfounded. Only a very small minority of those who get ragged continued to be friends with the raggers. Neither has it succeeded in promoting equality among the students. There is little evidence to show that ragging in its present form serves any function in the University community.