Older fraternity members may choose to engage in hazing because they believe the tradition is beneficial to the unity and strength of the organization. Fraternity members sometimes seek to weed out weak or unmotivated pledges. The shared experience of pledging can unite the new pledge class and supply them with stories and traditions for when they become senior members. Though many fraternity members believe in these benefits, standard organizational principles run counter to this theory.
Fraternities may also haze young members for their own benefit. In theory, completing a hazing confers a sense of accomplishment and pride on a pledge. Hazing promotes self-discipline and helps a pledge form strong friendships with his peers. Some hazing activities are designed so that pledges have fun, exciting experiences.
Senior members may also choose to haze for less altruistic reasons. Most older fraternity members were hazed when they joined the organization, and thus will haze pledges out of resentment and retaliation. Fraternities sometimes require pledges to perform undesirable tasks, such as cleaning, or to provide money, alcohol or other items. By extorting goods and services out of the pledges, the older fraternity members benefit from the sacrifice of the younger members.
The psychological motivations for hazing rely on an organization with a hierarchical structure, usually based on seniority. Fraternities can be divided into senior members who perpetrate hazings, bystanders who observe or participate in hazing, and pledges who are hazed. Bystanders usually perceive hazing as normal or traditional, even if they do not actively participate. Because the bystanders condone the ritual, a small group of sadistic or highly devoted individuals can perpetuate a hazing tradition.