PSYCHOLOGICAL, SOCIOLOGICAL, AND POLITICAL DIMENSIONS OF RAGGING IN SRI LANKAN UNIVERSITIES
Journal Title: Social Affairs - Year 2017, Vol 1, Issue 7
Abstract
Ragging is interpreted as a phenomenon that has arisen in the university mainly as a result of the sexual and romantic deprivations of male students who are away from their usual places of residence or birthplaces. This paper provides insights into ragging as a sociological phenomenon while discussing its psychological and political dimensions, and suggests a different approach to tackling the issue in the contemporary context. Ragging is an activity that reinforces the seniority of the second and potentially third year students over frst year students before the latter sets their foot on the ground and establishes old college, locality, class, caste and other linkages with those who are working or learning on campus. The paper outlines different forms of ragging, its positive aspects such as helping students from rural backgrounds break out of their shyness, and suggests various hypotheses that can be tested through systematic research such as class jealousy as a potent incentive for ragging. In spite of its positive functions, severe forms of ragging have concerned many within and outside of universities due to its physical and psychological consequences. In this light, the paper provides a series of strategies that can be used by University authorities to control severe forms of ragging in Sri Lanka.
Authors and Affiliations
Siri Gamage
Keywords
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