What is the point of the Sorting Hat?












31















The Sorting Hat determines what the inner qualities of each student are and then decides the Hogwarts House they will go into. Why does this need to be done, though? I titled this question this way for a reason. I'm not asking why they are divided into houses because that makes sense and it's normal (not necessarily into Houses, but into different groups for administration purposes).



Why is there a system in place that determines the qualities of a person and then divides them as if human characteristics can never change? The Sorting Hat seems to be the starting point for a messed up magical world.










share|improve this question




















  • 8





    Leaving this as a comment because it's anecdotal, but I think "houses" are a British thing. A good friend of mine, who is British and attended a British boarding school, explained to me that dividing the students into different houses was common for boarding schools. For lack of a better descriptor, it might be likened to the idea of American fraternities and sororities. As for why ... why not?

    – Slytherincess
    Jan 11 '13 at 20:39






  • 7





    The British just love their human-rights-ignoring caste systems. If they didn't sort wizards, how would they differentiate between the peasants and the lords? Obviously something had to be done.

    – John O
    Jan 11 '13 at 20:45






  • 2





    I think it makes the story more interesting. It's also interesting counterpoint that at the end of the series Harry points out to his son that a very great wizard came from Slytherin (Snape).

    – zipquincy
    Jan 11 '13 at 20:58








  • 13





    Brings to mind Dumbledore's comment to Snape 'Sometimes I think we sort too soon...'

    – K-H-W
    Jan 11 '13 at 21:44






  • 2





    Your "as if human characteristics can never change?" has reminded me of my answer to Can one's House change?

    – Izkata
    Jan 12 '13 at 0:37
















31















The Sorting Hat determines what the inner qualities of each student are and then decides the Hogwarts House they will go into. Why does this need to be done, though? I titled this question this way for a reason. I'm not asking why they are divided into houses because that makes sense and it's normal (not necessarily into Houses, but into different groups for administration purposes).



Why is there a system in place that determines the qualities of a person and then divides them as if human characteristics can never change? The Sorting Hat seems to be the starting point for a messed up magical world.










share|improve this question




















  • 8





    Leaving this as a comment because it's anecdotal, but I think "houses" are a British thing. A good friend of mine, who is British and attended a British boarding school, explained to me that dividing the students into different houses was common for boarding schools. For lack of a better descriptor, it might be likened to the idea of American fraternities and sororities. As for why ... why not?

    – Slytherincess
    Jan 11 '13 at 20:39






  • 7





    The British just love their human-rights-ignoring caste systems. If they didn't sort wizards, how would they differentiate between the peasants and the lords? Obviously something had to be done.

    – John O
    Jan 11 '13 at 20:45






  • 2





    I think it makes the story more interesting. It's also interesting counterpoint that at the end of the series Harry points out to his son that a very great wizard came from Slytherin (Snape).

    – zipquincy
    Jan 11 '13 at 20:58








  • 13





    Brings to mind Dumbledore's comment to Snape 'Sometimes I think we sort too soon...'

    – K-H-W
    Jan 11 '13 at 21:44






  • 2





    Your "as if human characteristics can never change?" has reminded me of my answer to Can one's House change?

    – Izkata
    Jan 12 '13 at 0:37














31












31








31


2






The Sorting Hat determines what the inner qualities of each student are and then decides the Hogwarts House they will go into. Why does this need to be done, though? I titled this question this way for a reason. I'm not asking why they are divided into houses because that makes sense and it's normal (not necessarily into Houses, but into different groups for administration purposes).



Why is there a system in place that determines the qualities of a person and then divides them as if human characteristics can never change? The Sorting Hat seems to be the starting point for a messed up magical world.










share|improve this question
















The Sorting Hat determines what the inner qualities of each student are and then decides the Hogwarts House they will go into. Why does this need to be done, though? I titled this question this way for a reason. I'm not asking why they are divided into houses because that makes sense and it's normal (not necessarily into Houses, but into different groups for administration purposes).



Why is there a system in place that determines the qualities of a person and then divides them as if human characteristics can never change? The Sorting Hat seems to be the starting point for a messed up magical world.







harry-potter sorting-hat






share|improve this question















share|improve this question













share|improve this question




share|improve this question








edited Mar 29 '18 at 18:44









Bellatrix

73.7k13324370




73.7k13324370










asked Jan 11 '13 at 20:32









Kevin HowellKevin Howell

7,871114374




7,871114374








  • 8





    Leaving this as a comment because it's anecdotal, but I think "houses" are a British thing. A good friend of mine, who is British and attended a British boarding school, explained to me that dividing the students into different houses was common for boarding schools. For lack of a better descriptor, it might be likened to the idea of American fraternities and sororities. As for why ... why not?

    – Slytherincess
    Jan 11 '13 at 20:39






  • 7





    The British just love their human-rights-ignoring caste systems. If they didn't sort wizards, how would they differentiate between the peasants and the lords? Obviously something had to be done.

    – John O
    Jan 11 '13 at 20:45






  • 2





    I think it makes the story more interesting. It's also interesting counterpoint that at the end of the series Harry points out to his son that a very great wizard came from Slytherin (Snape).

    – zipquincy
    Jan 11 '13 at 20:58








  • 13





    Brings to mind Dumbledore's comment to Snape 'Sometimes I think we sort too soon...'

    – K-H-W
    Jan 11 '13 at 21:44






  • 2





    Your "as if human characteristics can never change?" has reminded me of my answer to Can one's House change?

    – Izkata
    Jan 12 '13 at 0:37














  • 8





    Leaving this as a comment because it's anecdotal, but I think "houses" are a British thing. A good friend of mine, who is British and attended a British boarding school, explained to me that dividing the students into different houses was common for boarding schools. For lack of a better descriptor, it might be likened to the idea of American fraternities and sororities. As for why ... why not?

    – Slytherincess
    Jan 11 '13 at 20:39






  • 7





    The British just love their human-rights-ignoring caste systems. If they didn't sort wizards, how would they differentiate between the peasants and the lords? Obviously something had to be done.

    – John O
    Jan 11 '13 at 20:45






  • 2





    I think it makes the story more interesting. It's also interesting counterpoint that at the end of the series Harry points out to his son that a very great wizard came from Slytherin (Snape).

    – zipquincy
    Jan 11 '13 at 20:58








  • 13





    Brings to mind Dumbledore's comment to Snape 'Sometimes I think we sort too soon...'

    – K-H-W
    Jan 11 '13 at 21:44






  • 2





    Your "as if human characteristics can never change?" has reminded me of my answer to Can one's House change?

    – Izkata
    Jan 12 '13 at 0:37








8




8





Leaving this as a comment because it's anecdotal, but I think "houses" are a British thing. A good friend of mine, who is British and attended a British boarding school, explained to me that dividing the students into different houses was common for boarding schools. For lack of a better descriptor, it might be likened to the idea of American fraternities and sororities. As for why ... why not?

– Slytherincess
Jan 11 '13 at 20:39





Leaving this as a comment because it's anecdotal, but I think "houses" are a British thing. A good friend of mine, who is British and attended a British boarding school, explained to me that dividing the students into different houses was common for boarding schools. For lack of a better descriptor, it might be likened to the idea of American fraternities and sororities. As for why ... why not?

– Slytherincess
Jan 11 '13 at 20:39




7




7





The British just love their human-rights-ignoring caste systems. If they didn't sort wizards, how would they differentiate between the peasants and the lords? Obviously something had to be done.

– John O
Jan 11 '13 at 20:45





The British just love their human-rights-ignoring caste systems. If they didn't sort wizards, how would they differentiate between the peasants and the lords? Obviously something had to be done.

– John O
Jan 11 '13 at 20:45




2




2





I think it makes the story more interesting. It's also interesting counterpoint that at the end of the series Harry points out to his son that a very great wizard came from Slytherin (Snape).

– zipquincy
Jan 11 '13 at 20:58







I think it makes the story more interesting. It's also interesting counterpoint that at the end of the series Harry points out to his son that a very great wizard came from Slytherin (Snape).

– zipquincy
Jan 11 '13 at 20:58






13




13





Brings to mind Dumbledore's comment to Snape 'Sometimes I think we sort too soon...'

– K-H-W
Jan 11 '13 at 21:44





Brings to mind Dumbledore's comment to Snape 'Sometimes I think we sort too soon...'

– K-H-W
Jan 11 '13 at 21:44




2




2





Your "as if human characteristics can never change?" has reminded me of my answer to Can one's House change?

– Izkata
Jan 12 '13 at 0:37





Your "as if human characteristics can never change?" has reminded me of my answer to Can one's House change?

– Izkata
Jan 12 '13 at 0:37










6 Answers
6






active

oldest

votes


















21














Adam V has already mentioned the four founders wanting to have a way to select students who were eponymous with each founder's desired traits and skills in their students. If I'm to take your question literally, though -- why is the object used to sort the Hogwarts students a hat, instead of, say, a magical ruff, a pair of shoes, or a cravat? -- then I can offer this information from J.K. Rowling:




J.K. Rowling: The Sorting Hat does not appear in my earliest plans for Hogwarts. I debated several different methods for sorting students (because I knew from early on that there would be four houses, all with very different qualities). The first was an elaborate, Heath Robinson-ish machine that did all kinds of magical things before reaching a decision, but I did not like it: it felt at once too complicated, and too easy. Next I placed four statues of the four founders in the Entrance Hall, which came alive and selected students from the throng in front of them while the school watched. This was better, but still not quite right. Finally, I wrote a list of the ways in which people can be chosen: eeny meeny miny mo, short straws, chosen by team captains, names out of a hat - names out of a talking hat - putting on a hat - the Sorting Hat. POTTERMORE LINK - THE SORTING HAT - BOOK 1, CHAPTER 7 or SCREENSHOT.




Also, according to J.K. Rowling, the Sorting Hat is a Legilimens (screenshot); however, it does not possess human emotions per se. Were a human to be the one to sort the students, he/she might harbor subconscious prejudices that could lead to an incorrect sorting. The Sorting Hat is not human; it does not necessarily think like a human. It is the closest, I think, Hogwarts can get to a truly neutral party for sorting.



The exception to the "no emotions" rule, I think, can be found in Order of the Phoenix:




Have the houses been united

As they once were meant to be.

And now the Sorting Hat is here

And you all know the score:

I sort you into houses

Because that is what I’m for,

But this year I’ll go further,

Listen closely to my song:

Though condemned I am to split you

Still I worry that it’s wrong,

Though I must fulfil my duty

And must quarter every year

Still I wonder whether Sorting

May not bring the end I fear.

Oh, know the perils, read the signs,

The warning history shows,

For our Hogwarts is in danger

From external, deadly foes

And we must unite inside her

Or we’ll crumble from within

I have told you, I have warned you ...

Let the Sorting now begin.

Order of the Phoenix - pages 186-187 - Bloomsbury - chapter 11, The Sorting Hat's New Song







share|improve this answer





















  • 2





    I like this answer as it doesn't say how the hat sorts, but why it is a "Sorting Hat" to begin with.

    – Möoz
    Apr 29 '14 at 5:54













  • As BorhanMooz stated. Also this answer makes me think more of the tradition of sorting being more than a silly rhyme. It's a way to impartially divide the students however it does divide them and more activities to connect the houses rather than compete.

    – Kevin Howell
    May 19 '14 at 21:23






  • 1





    Interesting to note that she later uses the idea of the statues choosing as the sorting mechanism of the US based school Ilvermorny - pottermore.com/writing-by-jk-rowling/ilvermorny

    – NKCampbell
    Mar 29 '18 at 18:49



















36














Based on the song that the Sorting Hat itself sang one of the years, it seemed that in the beginning, each of the founding wizards had their own preference on who to accept (except Helga Hufflepuff, who would accept any witch or wizard who wanted to learn).



Excerpt: (from Harry Potter Wikia)




Said Slytherin, "We'll teach just those



Whose ancestry's purest."



Said Ravenclaw, "We'll teach those whose



Intelligence is surest."



Said Gryffindor, "We'll teach all those



With brave deeds to their name."



Said Hufflepuff, "I'll teach the lot



And treat them just the same."




The hat also recognized the inherent error in dividing the students:




And now the Sorting Hat is here



and you all know the score:



I sort you into Houses



because that is what I'm for.



But this year I'll go further,



listen closely to my song:



though condemned I am to split you



still I worry that it's wrong,



Though I must fulfill my duty



and must quarter every year



still I wonder whether sorting



may not bring the end I fear.







share|improve this answer

































    14















    Why is there a system in place that determines the qualities of a
    person and then divides them as if human characteristics can never
    change?




    Curiously, the human characteristics evolve due to the environment you grow in. The sorting hat seems to just choose the "best bet" for the house you're most likely going to develop more comfortably.



    So I'd say that the point of the sorting hat is to send you to the best possible house for you at the given moment. If in the future you happen to change your mentality, you're probably mature enough to accept it anyway - if you think about it, there really is no much difference to be in a house or the other. It isn't like you're unable to socialize with your Gryffindor fellas while you're a Ravenclaw...






    share|improve this answer































      12














      Really old question. But as a professor with a PhD in personality psychology, I want to answer the underlying meaning behind your question rather than your question itself.



      At least secondarily, what you seemed to be asking was: wouldn't the sorting procedure engender negative consequences for students?



      The answer, I believe, is yes.



      Firstly, it serves as a self-fulfilling prophecy. See, for example, the famous work of Robert Rosenthal on the Pygmalion Effect. To summarize, a psychologist gives a completely fake test to a number of children, and makes up results, which he gives the teachers. A small portion, he tells them, will "bloom" intellectually that year. At the end of the year, when he returns, those kids have indeed performed better than the other children, because (the author's interpretation) the teachers have responsed to those children differently (e.g., answering their questions with more alacrity, giving them more material because it is believed they can "handle" it). In other words, having the Sorting Hat say in front of a crowd of people (essentially), "You're brave!" or "You're smart!" or "You're basically evil!" will cause a) the child themselves, b) their peers, and c) the professors/staff to treat them as if they were those things. Through a number of subtle but persistent habits, behaviors, and attitudes, these things will therefore be more likely to actually come to pass, even if the child were not necessarily inclined in that direction. See also The Stanford Prison Experiment, which demonstrates that people tend to take on the roles assigned to them by others.



      This is roughly akin to the socioeconomic concerns that educational psychologists have about testing that places different ethnicities into consequential programs (e.g., "gifted," "special needs").



      Also, as you mention, it does not allow for the possibility of personality change over time. While people's personalities are generally consistent over time and across situations, and some researchers have believed that it stabilize in one's 20s or 30s, research is demonstrating that people's dispositions are actually dynamic across the lifespan. Thus, the Sorting Hat makes a guess about a person based upon a very preliminary sort of understanding of their traits at 11 years old, and pigeonholes them eternally, reinforcing its (potentially flawed or at least underdeveloped) estimate because of the fulfilling prophecy described above.



      Finally, I want to point out that the Sorting Hat uses as it's personality assessement system one which current personality psychologists like the least: a categorical measurement. That is, you're either Gryffindor OR you're Slytherin OR... This is akin to saying that people are either funny OR they're not funny. Today, we a) favor a continuum when measuring traits (such as the Big Five), so that you can be "a little" funny or "moderately" funny, rather than FUNNY = YES or FUNNY = NO. Also we b) like to acknowledge the interaction between person and situation, such that in certain circumstances you might be funny (or brave, or loyal, or ambitious) whereas in other circumstances the same person might be a coward, disloyal, or passive. People are a lot more complex than the Sorting Hat gives them credit for.



      So, my answer to your meta-question, or secondary question is, yes: the Sorting Hat is basically an evil social experiment. =) At least, in a real-world, developmental sense. That doesn't stop me from enjoying its role in the fantasy world from whence it comes.






      share|improve this answer



















      • 1





        Yet Severus was hardly an 'evil' character (I don't believe in the concept). But what you say is right - treat someone as vermin long enough and if they change the most likely outcome will be they're vermin (or whatever). And definitely humans are more complex. I wish more people understood this; still though she was able to demonstrate this with Severus and she also notes how others are more than just what their house stands for. As for not allowing change: well you have to remember magic does have some part of it though it's not perfect (but the Hat will never admit it e.g. with Pettigrew).

        – Pryftan
        Apr 17 '18 at 21:13











      • while it doesn't answer the actual question I believe it does answer the spirit of the question. Also your point emphasize a lot of problems with grouping similar minded people together (that they will never change after 'because' of the grouping). Not a lot of people think about the impact of classifying people causing them to be that person - so +1

        – Matt
        Nov 27 '18 at 20:55



















      0














      It was to give each Founder’s House their preferred students.



      The Sorting Hat himself explained that the four Founders of Hogwarts had different preferences in the type of students they wanted to accept, so the Sorting Hat was enchanted by them to decide which Founder’s House each student would be most compatible with, and assign students so the Founders would each have the ones they’d prefer in their House.




      “Thus Hogwarts School began.

      Now each of these four founders

      Formed their own house, for each

      Did value different virtues

      In the ones they had to teach.

      By Gryffindor, the bravest were

      Prized far beyond the rest;

      For Ravenclaw, the cleverest

      Would always be the best;

      For Hufflepuff, hard workers were

      Most worthy of admission;

      And power-hungry Slytherin

      Loved those of great ambition.




      The Sorting Hat’s song then goes on to say originally the founders wanted to have a way to have their favorite types of students in their Houses, even when they were dead and would have no part in the decision.




      While still alive they did divide

      Their favourites from the throng,

      Yet how to pick the worthy ones

      When they were dead and gone?

      ’Twas Gryffindor who found the way,

      He whipped me off his head

      The founders put some brains in me

      So I could choose instead!”

      - Harry Potter and the Goblet of Fire, Chapter 12 (The Triwizard Tournament)




      The reason that the founders chose to determine the Sorting by their was quite simply because that’s how they wanted the students in their House to be chosen. They likely did know that people’s characteristics could change, but they needed to determine which Houses the students would be placed in, which would need to be done when they start attending Hogwarts, since it also decided what room the students would sleep in. Presumably, whoever took over running the school chose to continue the tradition in honor of the school’s Founders, so used the Sorting Hat like the founders had intended, and as years went by, it became an ingrained part of Hogwarts which no one really wanted to take away.






      share|improve this answer

































        -1














        It is because each of the houses are based on an original founder of Hogwarts and each of the founders wanted their house to consist of people with certain qualities.






        share|improve this answer























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          6 Answers
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          21














          Adam V has already mentioned the four founders wanting to have a way to select students who were eponymous with each founder's desired traits and skills in their students. If I'm to take your question literally, though -- why is the object used to sort the Hogwarts students a hat, instead of, say, a magical ruff, a pair of shoes, or a cravat? -- then I can offer this information from J.K. Rowling:




          J.K. Rowling: The Sorting Hat does not appear in my earliest plans for Hogwarts. I debated several different methods for sorting students (because I knew from early on that there would be four houses, all with very different qualities). The first was an elaborate, Heath Robinson-ish machine that did all kinds of magical things before reaching a decision, but I did not like it: it felt at once too complicated, and too easy. Next I placed four statues of the four founders in the Entrance Hall, which came alive and selected students from the throng in front of them while the school watched. This was better, but still not quite right. Finally, I wrote a list of the ways in which people can be chosen: eeny meeny miny mo, short straws, chosen by team captains, names out of a hat - names out of a talking hat - putting on a hat - the Sorting Hat. POTTERMORE LINK - THE SORTING HAT - BOOK 1, CHAPTER 7 or SCREENSHOT.




          Also, according to J.K. Rowling, the Sorting Hat is a Legilimens (screenshot); however, it does not possess human emotions per se. Were a human to be the one to sort the students, he/she might harbor subconscious prejudices that could lead to an incorrect sorting. The Sorting Hat is not human; it does not necessarily think like a human. It is the closest, I think, Hogwarts can get to a truly neutral party for sorting.



          The exception to the "no emotions" rule, I think, can be found in Order of the Phoenix:




          Have the houses been united

          As they once were meant to be.

          And now the Sorting Hat is here

          And you all know the score:

          I sort you into houses

          Because that is what I’m for,

          But this year I’ll go further,

          Listen closely to my song:

          Though condemned I am to split you

          Still I worry that it’s wrong,

          Though I must fulfil my duty

          And must quarter every year

          Still I wonder whether Sorting

          May not bring the end I fear.

          Oh, know the perils, read the signs,

          The warning history shows,

          For our Hogwarts is in danger

          From external, deadly foes

          And we must unite inside her

          Or we’ll crumble from within

          I have told you, I have warned you ...

          Let the Sorting now begin.

          Order of the Phoenix - pages 186-187 - Bloomsbury - chapter 11, The Sorting Hat's New Song







          share|improve this answer





















          • 2





            I like this answer as it doesn't say how the hat sorts, but why it is a "Sorting Hat" to begin with.

            – Möoz
            Apr 29 '14 at 5:54













          • As BorhanMooz stated. Also this answer makes me think more of the tradition of sorting being more than a silly rhyme. It's a way to impartially divide the students however it does divide them and more activities to connect the houses rather than compete.

            – Kevin Howell
            May 19 '14 at 21:23






          • 1





            Interesting to note that she later uses the idea of the statues choosing as the sorting mechanism of the US based school Ilvermorny - pottermore.com/writing-by-jk-rowling/ilvermorny

            – NKCampbell
            Mar 29 '18 at 18:49
















          21














          Adam V has already mentioned the four founders wanting to have a way to select students who were eponymous with each founder's desired traits and skills in their students. If I'm to take your question literally, though -- why is the object used to sort the Hogwarts students a hat, instead of, say, a magical ruff, a pair of shoes, or a cravat? -- then I can offer this information from J.K. Rowling:




          J.K. Rowling: The Sorting Hat does not appear in my earliest plans for Hogwarts. I debated several different methods for sorting students (because I knew from early on that there would be four houses, all with very different qualities). The first was an elaborate, Heath Robinson-ish machine that did all kinds of magical things before reaching a decision, but I did not like it: it felt at once too complicated, and too easy. Next I placed four statues of the four founders in the Entrance Hall, which came alive and selected students from the throng in front of them while the school watched. This was better, but still not quite right. Finally, I wrote a list of the ways in which people can be chosen: eeny meeny miny mo, short straws, chosen by team captains, names out of a hat - names out of a talking hat - putting on a hat - the Sorting Hat. POTTERMORE LINK - THE SORTING HAT - BOOK 1, CHAPTER 7 or SCREENSHOT.




          Also, according to J.K. Rowling, the Sorting Hat is a Legilimens (screenshot); however, it does not possess human emotions per se. Were a human to be the one to sort the students, he/she might harbor subconscious prejudices that could lead to an incorrect sorting. The Sorting Hat is not human; it does not necessarily think like a human. It is the closest, I think, Hogwarts can get to a truly neutral party for sorting.



          The exception to the "no emotions" rule, I think, can be found in Order of the Phoenix:




          Have the houses been united

          As they once were meant to be.

          And now the Sorting Hat is here

          And you all know the score:

          I sort you into houses

          Because that is what I’m for,

          But this year I’ll go further,

          Listen closely to my song:

          Though condemned I am to split you

          Still I worry that it’s wrong,

          Though I must fulfil my duty

          And must quarter every year

          Still I wonder whether Sorting

          May not bring the end I fear.

          Oh, know the perils, read the signs,

          The warning history shows,

          For our Hogwarts is in danger

          From external, deadly foes

          And we must unite inside her

          Or we’ll crumble from within

          I have told you, I have warned you ...

          Let the Sorting now begin.

          Order of the Phoenix - pages 186-187 - Bloomsbury - chapter 11, The Sorting Hat's New Song







          share|improve this answer





















          • 2





            I like this answer as it doesn't say how the hat sorts, but why it is a "Sorting Hat" to begin with.

            – Möoz
            Apr 29 '14 at 5:54













          • As BorhanMooz stated. Also this answer makes me think more of the tradition of sorting being more than a silly rhyme. It's a way to impartially divide the students however it does divide them and more activities to connect the houses rather than compete.

            – Kevin Howell
            May 19 '14 at 21:23






          • 1





            Interesting to note that she later uses the idea of the statues choosing as the sorting mechanism of the US based school Ilvermorny - pottermore.com/writing-by-jk-rowling/ilvermorny

            – NKCampbell
            Mar 29 '18 at 18:49














          21












          21








          21







          Adam V has already mentioned the four founders wanting to have a way to select students who were eponymous with each founder's desired traits and skills in their students. If I'm to take your question literally, though -- why is the object used to sort the Hogwarts students a hat, instead of, say, a magical ruff, a pair of shoes, or a cravat? -- then I can offer this information from J.K. Rowling:




          J.K. Rowling: The Sorting Hat does not appear in my earliest plans for Hogwarts. I debated several different methods for sorting students (because I knew from early on that there would be four houses, all with very different qualities). The first was an elaborate, Heath Robinson-ish machine that did all kinds of magical things before reaching a decision, but I did not like it: it felt at once too complicated, and too easy. Next I placed four statues of the four founders in the Entrance Hall, which came alive and selected students from the throng in front of them while the school watched. This was better, but still not quite right. Finally, I wrote a list of the ways in which people can be chosen: eeny meeny miny mo, short straws, chosen by team captains, names out of a hat - names out of a talking hat - putting on a hat - the Sorting Hat. POTTERMORE LINK - THE SORTING HAT - BOOK 1, CHAPTER 7 or SCREENSHOT.




          Also, according to J.K. Rowling, the Sorting Hat is a Legilimens (screenshot); however, it does not possess human emotions per se. Were a human to be the one to sort the students, he/she might harbor subconscious prejudices that could lead to an incorrect sorting. The Sorting Hat is not human; it does not necessarily think like a human. It is the closest, I think, Hogwarts can get to a truly neutral party for sorting.



          The exception to the "no emotions" rule, I think, can be found in Order of the Phoenix:




          Have the houses been united

          As they once were meant to be.

          And now the Sorting Hat is here

          And you all know the score:

          I sort you into houses

          Because that is what I’m for,

          But this year I’ll go further,

          Listen closely to my song:

          Though condemned I am to split you

          Still I worry that it’s wrong,

          Though I must fulfil my duty

          And must quarter every year

          Still I wonder whether Sorting

          May not bring the end I fear.

          Oh, know the perils, read the signs,

          The warning history shows,

          For our Hogwarts is in danger

          From external, deadly foes

          And we must unite inside her

          Or we’ll crumble from within

          I have told you, I have warned you ...

          Let the Sorting now begin.

          Order of the Phoenix - pages 186-187 - Bloomsbury - chapter 11, The Sorting Hat's New Song







          share|improve this answer















          Adam V has already mentioned the four founders wanting to have a way to select students who were eponymous with each founder's desired traits and skills in their students. If I'm to take your question literally, though -- why is the object used to sort the Hogwarts students a hat, instead of, say, a magical ruff, a pair of shoes, or a cravat? -- then I can offer this information from J.K. Rowling:




          J.K. Rowling: The Sorting Hat does not appear in my earliest plans for Hogwarts. I debated several different methods for sorting students (because I knew from early on that there would be four houses, all with very different qualities). The first was an elaborate, Heath Robinson-ish machine that did all kinds of magical things before reaching a decision, but I did not like it: it felt at once too complicated, and too easy. Next I placed four statues of the four founders in the Entrance Hall, which came alive and selected students from the throng in front of them while the school watched. This was better, but still not quite right. Finally, I wrote a list of the ways in which people can be chosen: eeny meeny miny mo, short straws, chosen by team captains, names out of a hat - names out of a talking hat - putting on a hat - the Sorting Hat. POTTERMORE LINK - THE SORTING HAT - BOOK 1, CHAPTER 7 or SCREENSHOT.




          Also, according to J.K. Rowling, the Sorting Hat is a Legilimens (screenshot); however, it does not possess human emotions per se. Were a human to be the one to sort the students, he/she might harbor subconscious prejudices that could lead to an incorrect sorting. The Sorting Hat is not human; it does not necessarily think like a human. It is the closest, I think, Hogwarts can get to a truly neutral party for sorting.



          The exception to the "no emotions" rule, I think, can be found in Order of the Phoenix:




          Have the houses been united

          As they once were meant to be.

          And now the Sorting Hat is here

          And you all know the score:

          I sort you into houses

          Because that is what I’m for,

          But this year I’ll go further,

          Listen closely to my song:

          Though condemned I am to split you

          Still I worry that it’s wrong,

          Though I must fulfil my duty

          And must quarter every year

          Still I wonder whether Sorting

          May not bring the end I fear.

          Oh, know the perils, read the signs,

          The warning history shows,

          For our Hogwarts is in danger

          From external, deadly foes

          And we must unite inside her

          Or we’ll crumble from within

          I have told you, I have warned you ...

          Let the Sorting now begin.

          Order of the Phoenix - pages 186-187 - Bloomsbury - chapter 11, The Sorting Hat's New Song








          share|improve this answer














          share|improve this answer



          share|improve this answer








          edited 13 mins ago









          Stormblessed

          1,443424




          1,443424










          answered Jan 11 '13 at 23:58









          SlytherincessSlytherincess

          119k105615856




          119k105615856








          • 2





            I like this answer as it doesn't say how the hat sorts, but why it is a "Sorting Hat" to begin with.

            – Möoz
            Apr 29 '14 at 5:54













          • As BorhanMooz stated. Also this answer makes me think more of the tradition of sorting being more than a silly rhyme. It's a way to impartially divide the students however it does divide them and more activities to connect the houses rather than compete.

            – Kevin Howell
            May 19 '14 at 21:23






          • 1





            Interesting to note that she later uses the idea of the statues choosing as the sorting mechanism of the US based school Ilvermorny - pottermore.com/writing-by-jk-rowling/ilvermorny

            – NKCampbell
            Mar 29 '18 at 18:49














          • 2





            I like this answer as it doesn't say how the hat sorts, but why it is a "Sorting Hat" to begin with.

            – Möoz
            Apr 29 '14 at 5:54













          • As BorhanMooz stated. Also this answer makes me think more of the tradition of sorting being more than a silly rhyme. It's a way to impartially divide the students however it does divide them and more activities to connect the houses rather than compete.

            – Kevin Howell
            May 19 '14 at 21:23






          • 1





            Interesting to note that she later uses the idea of the statues choosing as the sorting mechanism of the US based school Ilvermorny - pottermore.com/writing-by-jk-rowling/ilvermorny

            – NKCampbell
            Mar 29 '18 at 18:49








          2




          2





          I like this answer as it doesn't say how the hat sorts, but why it is a "Sorting Hat" to begin with.

          – Möoz
          Apr 29 '14 at 5:54







          I like this answer as it doesn't say how the hat sorts, but why it is a "Sorting Hat" to begin with.

          – Möoz
          Apr 29 '14 at 5:54















          As BorhanMooz stated. Also this answer makes me think more of the tradition of sorting being more than a silly rhyme. It's a way to impartially divide the students however it does divide them and more activities to connect the houses rather than compete.

          – Kevin Howell
          May 19 '14 at 21:23





          As BorhanMooz stated. Also this answer makes me think more of the tradition of sorting being more than a silly rhyme. It's a way to impartially divide the students however it does divide them and more activities to connect the houses rather than compete.

          – Kevin Howell
          May 19 '14 at 21:23




          1




          1





          Interesting to note that she later uses the idea of the statues choosing as the sorting mechanism of the US based school Ilvermorny - pottermore.com/writing-by-jk-rowling/ilvermorny

          – NKCampbell
          Mar 29 '18 at 18:49





          Interesting to note that she later uses the idea of the statues choosing as the sorting mechanism of the US based school Ilvermorny - pottermore.com/writing-by-jk-rowling/ilvermorny

          – NKCampbell
          Mar 29 '18 at 18:49













          36














          Based on the song that the Sorting Hat itself sang one of the years, it seemed that in the beginning, each of the founding wizards had their own preference on who to accept (except Helga Hufflepuff, who would accept any witch or wizard who wanted to learn).



          Excerpt: (from Harry Potter Wikia)




          Said Slytherin, "We'll teach just those



          Whose ancestry's purest."



          Said Ravenclaw, "We'll teach those whose



          Intelligence is surest."



          Said Gryffindor, "We'll teach all those



          With brave deeds to their name."



          Said Hufflepuff, "I'll teach the lot



          And treat them just the same."




          The hat also recognized the inherent error in dividing the students:




          And now the Sorting Hat is here



          and you all know the score:



          I sort you into Houses



          because that is what I'm for.



          But this year I'll go further,



          listen closely to my song:



          though condemned I am to split you



          still I worry that it's wrong,



          Though I must fulfill my duty



          and must quarter every year



          still I wonder whether sorting



          may not bring the end I fear.







          share|improve this answer






























            36














            Based on the song that the Sorting Hat itself sang one of the years, it seemed that in the beginning, each of the founding wizards had their own preference on who to accept (except Helga Hufflepuff, who would accept any witch or wizard who wanted to learn).



            Excerpt: (from Harry Potter Wikia)




            Said Slytherin, "We'll teach just those



            Whose ancestry's purest."



            Said Ravenclaw, "We'll teach those whose



            Intelligence is surest."



            Said Gryffindor, "We'll teach all those



            With brave deeds to their name."



            Said Hufflepuff, "I'll teach the lot



            And treat them just the same."




            The hat also recognized the inherent error in dividing the students:




            And now the Sorting Hat is here



            and you all know the score:



            I sort you into Houses



            because that is what I'm for.



            But this year I'll go further,



            listen closely to my song:



            though condemned I am to split you



            still I worry that it's wrong,



            Though I must fulfill my duty



            and must quarter every year



            still I wonder whether sorting



            may not bring the end I fear.







            share|improve this answer




























              36












              36








              36







              Based on the song that the Sorting Hat itself sang one of the years, it seemed that in the beginning, each of the founding wizards had their own preference on who to accept (except Helga Hufflepuff, who would accept any witch or wizard who wanted to learn).



              Excerpt: (from Harry Potter Wikia)




              Said Slytherin, "We'll teach just those



              Whose ancestry's purest."



              Said Ravenclaw, "We'll teach those whose



              Intelligence is surest."



              Said Gryffindor, "We'll teach all those



              With brave deeds to their name."



              Said Hufflepuff, "I'll teach the lot



              And treat them just the same."




              The hat also recognized the inherent error in dividing the students:




              And now the Sorting Hat is here



              and you all know the score:



              I sort you into Houses



              because that is what I'm for.



              But this year I'll go further,



              listen closely to my song:



              though condemned I am to split you



              still I worry that it's wrong,



              Though I must fulfill my duty



              and must quarter every year



              still I wonder whether sorting



              may not bring the end I fear.







              share|improve this answer















              Based on the song that the Sorting Hat itself sang one of the years, it seemed that in the beginning, each of the founding wizards had their own preference on who to accept (except Helga Hufflepuff, who would accept any witch or wizard who wanted to learn).



              Excerpt: (from Harry Potter Wikia)




              Said Slytherin, "We'll teach just those



              Whose ancestry's purest."



              Said Ravenclaw, "We'll teach those whose



              Intelligence is surest."



              Said Gryffindor, "We'll teach all those



              With brave deeds to their name."



              Said Hufflepuff, "I'll teach the lot



              And treat them just the same."




              The hat also recognized the inherent error in dividing the students:




              And now the Sorting Hat is here



              and you all know the score:



              I sort you into Houses



              because that is what I'm for.



              But this year I'll go further,



              listen closely to my song:



              though condemned I am to split you



              still I worry that it's wrong,



              Though I must fulfill my duty



              and must quarter every year



              still I wonder whether sorting



              may not bring the end I fear.








              share|improve this answer














              share|improve this answer



              share|improve this answer








              edited Jan 11 '13 at 21:34









              DVK-on-Ahch-To

              271k12412941855




              271k12412941855










              answered Jan 11 '13 at 21:16









              Adam VAdam V

              1,0691919




              1,0691919























                  14















                  Why is there a system in place that determines the qualities of a
                  person and then divides them as if human characteristics can never
                  change?




                  Curiously, the human characteristics evolve due to the environment you grow in. The sorting hat seems to just choose the "best bet" for the house you're most likely going to develop more comfortably.



                  So I'd say that the point of the sorting hat is to send you to the best possible house for you at the given moment. If in the future you happen to change your mentality, you're probably mature enough to accept it anyway - if you think about it, there really is no much difference to be in a house or the other. It isn't like you're unable to socialize with your Gryffindor fellas while you're a Ravenclaw...






                  share|improve this answer




























                    14















                    Why is there a system in place that determines the qualities of a
                    person and then divides them as if human characteristics can never
                    change?




                    Curiously, the human characteristics evolve due to the environment you grow in. The sorting hat seems to just choose the "best bet" for the house you're most likely going to develop more comfortably.



                    So I'd say that the point of the sorting hat is to send you to the best possible house for you at the given moment. If in the future you happen to change your mentality, you're probably mature enough to accept it anyway - if you think about it, there really is no much difference to be in a house or the other. It isn't like you're unable to socialize with your Gryffindor fellas while you're a Ravenclaw...






                    share|improve this answer


























                      14












                      14








                      14








                      Why is there a system in place that determines the qualities of a
                      person and then divides them as if human characteristics can never
                      change?




                      Curiously, the human characteristics evolve due to the environment you grow in. The sorting hat seems to just choose the "best bet" for the house you're most likely going to develop more comfortably.



                      So I'd say that the point of the sorting hat is to send you to the best possible house for you at the given moment. If in the future you happen to change your mentality, you're probably mature enough to accept it anyway - if you think about it, there really is no much difference to be in a house or the other. It isn't like you're unable to socialize with your Gryffindor fellas while you're a Ravenclaw...






                      share|improve this answer














                      Why is there a system in place that determines the qualities of a
                      person and then divides them as if human characteristics can never
                      change?




                      Curiously, the human characteristics evolve due to the environment you grow in. The sorting hat seems to just choose the "best bet" for the house you're most likely going to develop more comfortably.



                      So I'd say that the point of the sorting hat is to send you to the best possible house for you at the given moment. If in the future you happen to change your mentality, you're probably mature enough to accept it anyway - if you think about it, there really is no much difference to be in a house or the other. It isn't like you're unable to socialize with your Gryffindor fellas while you're a Ravenclaw...







                      share|improve this answer












                      share|improve this answer



                      share|improve this answer










                      answered Jan 11 '13 at 23:51









                      VoldemortVoldemort

                      8,33534697




                      8,33534697























                          12














                          Really old question. But as a professor with a PhD in personality psychology, I want to answer the underlying meaning behind your question rather than your question itself.



                          At least secondarily, what you seemed to be asking was: wouldn't the sorting procedure engender negative consequences for students?



                          The answer, I believe, is yes.



                          Firstly, it serves as a self-fulfilling prophecy. See, for example, the famous work of Robert Rosenthal on the Pygmalion Effect. To summarize, a psychologist gives a completely fake test to a number of children, and makes up results, which he gives the teachers. A small portion, he tells them, will "bloom" intellectually that year. At the end of the year, when he returns, those kids have indeed performed better than the other children, because (the author's interpretation) the teachers have responsed to those children differently (e.g., answering their questions with more alacrity, giving them more material because it is believed they can "handle" it). In other words, having the Sorting Hat say in front of a crowd of people (essentially), "You're brave!" or "You're smart!" or "You're basically evil!" will cause a) the child themselves, b) their peers, and c) the professors/staff to treat them as if they were those things. Through a number of subtle but persistent habits, behaviors, and attitudes, these things will therefore be more likely to actually come to pass, even if the child were not necessarily inclined in that direction. See also The Stanford Prison Experiment, which demonstrates that people tend to take on the roles assigned to them by others.



                          This is roughly akin to the socioeconomic concerns that educational psychologists have about testing that places different ethnicities into consequential programs (e.g., "gifted," "special needs").



                          Also, as you mention, it does not allow for the possibility of personality change over time. While people's personalities are generally consistent over time and across situations, and some researchers have believed that it stabilize in one's 20s or 30s, research is demonstrating that people's dispositions are actually dynamic across the lifespan. Thus, the Sorting Hat makes a guess about a person based upon a very preliminary sort of understanding of their traits at 11 years old, and pigeonholes them eternally, reinforcing its (potentially flawed or at least underdeveloped) estimate because of the fulfilling prophecy described above.



                          Finally, I want to point out that the Sorting Hat uses as it's personality assessement system one which current personality psychologists like the least: a categorical measurement. That is, you're either Gryffindor OR you're Slytherin OR... This is akin to saying that people are either funny OR they're not funny. Today, we a) favor a continuum when measuring traits (such as the Big Five), so that you can be "a little" funny or "moderately" funny, rather than FUNNY = YES or FUNNY = NO. Also we b) like to acknowledge the interaction between person and situation, such that in certain circumstances you might be funny (or brave, or loyal, or ambitious) whereas in other circumstances the same person might be a coward, disloyal, or passive. People are a lot more complex than the Sorting Hat gives them credit for.



                          So, my answer to your meta-question, or secondary question is, yes: the Sorting Hat is basically an evil social experiment. =) At least, in a real-world, developmental sense. That doesn't stop me from enjoying its role in the fantasy world from whence it comes.






                          share|improve this answer



















                          • 1





                            Yet Severus was hardly an 'evil' character (I don't believe in the concept). But what you say is right - treat someone as vermin long enough and if they change the most likely outcome will be they're vermin (or whatever). And definitely humans are more complex. I wish more people understood this; still though she was able to demonstrate this with Severus and she also notes how others are more than just what their house stands for. As for not allowing change: well you have to remember magic does have some part of it though it's not perfect (but the Hat will never admit it e.g. with Pettigrew).

                            – Pryftan
                            Apr 17 '18 at 21:13











                          • while it doesn't answer the actual question I believe it does answer the spirit of the question. Also your point emphasize a lot of problems with grouping similar minded people together (that they will never change after 'because' of the grouping). Not a lot of people think about the impact of classifying people causing them to be that person - so +1

                            – Matt
                            Nov 27 '18 at 20:55
















                          12














                          Really old question. But as a professor with a PhD in personality psychology, I want to answer the underlying meaning behind your question rather than your question itself.



                          At least secondarily, what you seemed to be asking was: wouldn't the sorting procedure engender negative consequences for students?



                          The answer, I believe, is yes.



                          Firstly, it serves as a self-fulfilling prophecy. See, for example, the famous work of Robert Rosenthal on the Pygmalion Effect. To summarize, a psychologist gives a completely fake test to a number of children, and makes up results, which he gives the teachers. A small portion, he tells them, will "bloom" intellectually that year. At the end of the year, when he returns, those kids have indeed performed better than the other children, because (the author's interpretation) the teachers have responsed to those children differently (e.g., answering their questions with more alacrity, giving them more material because it is believed they can "handle" it). In other words, having the Sorting Hat say in front of a crowd of people (essentially), "You're brave!" or "You're smart!" or "You're basically evil!" will cause a) the child themselves, b) their peers, and c) the professors/staff to treat them as if they were those things. Through a number of subtle but persistent habits, behaviors, and attitudes, these things will therefore be more likely to actually come to pass, even if the child were not necessarily inclined in that direction. See also The Stanford Prison Experiment, which demonstrates that people tend to take on the roles assigned to them by others.



                          This is roughly akin to the socioeconomic concerns that educational psychologists have about testing that places different ethnicities into consequential programs (e.g., "gifted," "special needs").



                          Also, as you mention, it does not allow for the possibility of personality change over time. While people's personalities are generally consistent over time and across situations, and some researchers have believed that it stabilize in one's 20s or 30s, research is demonstrating that people's dispositions are actually dynamic across the lifespan. Thus, the Sorting Hat makes a guess about a person based upon a very preliminary sort of understanding of their traits at 11 years old, and pigeonholes them eternally, reinforcing its (potentially flawed or at least underdeveloped) estimate because of the fulfilling prophecy described above.



                          Finally, I want to point out that the Sorting Hat uses as it's personality assessement system one which current personality psychologists like the least: a categorical measurement. That is, you're either Gryffindor OR you're Slytherin OR... This is akin to saying that people are either funny OR they're not funny. Today, we a) favor a continuum when measuring traits (such as the Big Five), so that you can be "a little" funny or "moderately" funny, rather than FUNNY = YES or FUNNY = NO. Also we b) like to acknowledge the interaction between person and situation, such that in certain circumstances you might be funny (or brave, or loyal, or ambitious) whereas in other circumstances the same person might be a coward, disloyal, or passive. People are a lot more complex than the Sorting Hat gives them credit for.



                          So, my answer to your meta-question, or secondary question is, yes: the Sorting Hat is basically an evil social experiment. =) At least, in a real-world, developmental sense. That doesn't stop me from enjoying its role in the fantasy world from whence it comes.






                          share|improve this answer



















                          • 1





                            Yet Severus was hardly an 'evil' character (I don't believe in the concept). But what you say is right - treat someone as vermin long enough and if they change the most likely outcome will be they're vermin (or whatever). And definitely humans are more complex. I wish more people understood this; still though she was able to demonstrate this with Severus and she also notes how others are more than just what their house stands for. As for not allowing change: well you have to remember magic does have some part of it though it's not perfect (but the Hat will never admit it e.g. with Pettigrew).

                            – Pryftan
                            Apr 17 '18 at 21:13











                          • while it doesn't answer the actual question I believe it does answer the spirit of the question. Also your point emphasize a lot of problems with grouping similar minded people together (that they will never change after 'because' of the grouping). Not a lot of people think about the impact of classifying people causing them to be that person - so +1

                            – Matt
                            Nov 27 '18 at 20:55














                          12












                          12








                          12







                          Really old question. But as a professor with a PhD in personality psychology, I want to answer the underlying meaning behind your question rather than your question itself.



                          At least secondarily, what you seemed to be asking was: wouldn't the sorting procedure engender negative consequences for students?



                          The answer, I believe, is yes.



                          Firstly, it serves as a self-fulfilling prophecy. See, for example, the famous work of Robert Rosenthal on the Pygmalion Effect. To summarize, a psychologist gives a completely fake test to a number of children, and makes up results, which he gives the teachers. A small portion, he tells them, will "bloom" intellectually that year. At the end of the year, when he returns, those kids have indeed performed better than the other children, because (the author's interpretation) the teachers have responsed to those children differently (e.g., answering their questions with more alacrity, giving them more material because it is believed they can "handle" it). In other words, having the Sorting Hat say in front of a crowd of people (essentially), "You're brave!" or "You're smart!" or "You're basically evil!" will cause a) the child themselves, b) their peers, and c) the professors/staff to treat them as if they were those things. Through a number of subtle but persistent habits, behaviors, and attitudes, these things will therefore be more likely to actually come to pass, even if the child were not necessarily inclined in that direction. See also The Stanford Prison Experiment, which demonstrates that people tend to take on the roles assigned to them by others.



                          This is roughly akin to the socioeconomic concerns that educational psychologists have about testing that places different ethnicities into consequential programs (e.g., "gifted," "special needs").



                          Also, as you mention, it does not allow for the possibility of personality change over time. While people's personalities are generally consistent over time and across situations, and some researchers have believed that it stabilize in one's 20s or 30s, research is demonstrating that people's dispositions are actually dynamic across the lifespan. Thus, the Sorting Hat makes a guess about a person based upon a very preliminary sort of understanding of their traits at 11 years old, and pigeonholes them eternally, reinforcing its (potentially flawed or at least underdeveloped) estimate because of the fulfilling prophecy described above.



                          Finally, I want to point out that the Sorting Hat uses as it's personality assessement system one which current personality psychologists like the least: a categorical measurement. That is, you're either Gryffindor OR you're Slytherin OR... This is akin to saying that people are either funny OR they're not funny. Today, we a) favor a continuum when measuring traits (such as the Big Five), so that you can be "a little" funny or "moderately" funny, rather than FUNNY = YES or FUNNY = NO. Also we b) like to acknowledge the interaction between person and situation, such that in certain circumstances you might be funny (or brave, or loyal, or ambitious) whereas in other circumstances the same person might be a coward, disloyal, or passive. People are a lot more complex than the Sorting Hat gives them credit for.



                          So, my answer to your meta-question, or secondary question is, yes: the Sorting Hat is basically an evil social experiment. =) At least, in a real-world, developmental sense. That doesn't stop me from enjoying its role in the fantasy world from whence it comes.






                          share|improve this answer













                          Really old question. But as a professor with a PhD in personality psychology, I want to answer the underlying meaning behind your question rather than your question itself.



                          At least secondarily, what you seemed to be asking was: wouldn't the sorting procedure engender negative consequences for students?



                          The answer, I believe, is yes.



                          Firstly, it serves as a self-fulfilling prophecy. See, for example, the famous work of Robert Rosenthal on the Pygmalion Effect. To summarize, a psychologist gives a completely fake test to a number of children, and makes up results, which he gives the teachers. A small portion, he tells them, will "bloom" intellectually that year. At the end of the year, when he returns, those kids have indeed performed better than the other children, because (the author's interpretation) the teachers have responsed to those children differently (e.g., answering their questions with more alacrity, giving them more material because it is believed they can "handle" it). In other words, having the Sorting Hat say in front of a crowd of people (essentially), "You're brave!" or "You're smart!" or "You're basically evil!" will cause a) the child themselves, b) their peers, and c) the professors/staff to treat them as if they were those things. Through a number of subtle but persistent habits, behaviors, and attitudes, these things will therefore be more likely to actually come to pass, even if the child were not necessarily inclined in that direction. See also The Stanford Prison Experiment, which demonstrates that people tend to take on the roles assigned to them by others.



                          This is roughly akin to the socioeconomic concerns that educational psychologists have about testing that places different ethnicities into consequential programs (e.g., "gifted," "special needs").



                          Also, as you mention, it does not allow for the possibility of personality change over time. While people's personalities are generally consistent over time and across situations, and some researchers have believed that it stabilize in one's 20s or 30s, research is demonstrating that people's dispositions are actually dynamic across the lifespan. Thus, the Sorting Hat makes a guess about a person based upon a very preliminary sort of understanding of their traits at 11 years old, and pigeonholes them eternally, reinforcing its (potentially flawed or at least underdeveloped) estimate because of the fulfilling prophecy described above.



                          Finally, I want to point out that the Sorting Hat uses as it's personality assessement system one which current personality psychologists like the least: a categorical measurement. That is, you're either Gryffindor OR you're Slytherin OR... This is akin to saying that people are either funny OR they're not funny. Today, we a) favor a continuum when measuring traits (such as the Big Five), so that you can be "a little" funny or "moderately" funny, rather than FUNNY = YES or FUNNY = NO. Also we b) like to acknowledge the interaction between person and situation, such that in certain circumstances you might be funny (or brave, or loyal, or ambitious) whereas in other circumstances the same person might be a coward, disloyal, or passive. People are a lot more complex than the Sorting Hat gives them credit for.



                          So, my answer to your meta-question, or secondary question is, yes: the Sorting Hat is basically an evil social experiment. =) At least, in a real-world, developmental sense. That doesn't stop me from enjoying its role in the fantasy world from whence it comes.







                          share|improve this answer












                          share|improve this answer



                          share|improve this answer










                          answered Sep 30 '15 at 2:59









                          BodieOConnorBodieOConnor

                          14415




                          14415








                          • 1





                            Yet Severus was hardly an 'evil' character (I don't believe in the concept). But what you say is right - treat someone as vermin long enough and if they change the most likely outcome will be they're vermin (or whatever). And definitely humans are more complex. I wish more people understood this; still though she was able to demonstrate this with Severus and she also notes how others are more than just what their house stands for. As for not allowing change: well you have to remember magic does have some part of it though it's not perfect (but the Hat will never admit it e.g. with Pettigrew).

                            – Pryftan
                            Apr 17 '18 at 21:13











                          • while it doesn't answer the actual question I believe it does answer the spirit of the question. Also your point emphasize a lot of problems with grouping similar minded people together (that they will never change after 'because' of the grouping). Not a lot of people think about the impact of classifying people causing them to be that person - so +1

                            – Matt
                            Nov 27 '18 at 20:55














                          • 1





                            Yet Severus was hardly an 'evil' character (I don't believe in the concept). But what you say is right - treat someone as vermin long enough and if they change the most likely outcome will be they're vermin (or whatever). And definitely humans are more complex. I wish more people understood this; still though she was able to demonstrate this with Severus and she also notes how others are more than just what their house stands for. As for not allowing change: well you have to remember magic does have some part of it though it's not perfect (but the Hat will never admit it e.g. with Pettigrew).

                            – Pryftan
                            Apr 17 '18 at 21:13











                          • while it doesn't answer the actual question I believe it does answer the spirit of the question. Also your point emphasize a lot of problems with grouping similar minded people together (that they will never change after 'because' of the grouping). Not a lot of people think about the impact of classifying people causing them to be that person - so +1

                            – Matt
                            Nov 27 '18 at 20:55








                          1




                          1





                          Yet Severus was hardly an 'evil' character (I don't believe in the concept). But what you say is right - treat someone as vermin long enough and if they change the most likely outcome will be they're vermin (or whatever). And definitely humans are more complex. I wish more people understood this; still though she was able to demonstrate this with Severus and she also notes how others are more than just what their house stands for. As for not allowing change: well you have to remember magic does have some part of it though it's not perfect (but the Hat will never admit it e.g. with Pettigrew).

                          – Pryftan
                          Apr 17 '18 at 21:13





                          Yet Severus was hardly an 'evil' character (I don't believe in the concept). But what you say is right - treat someone as vermin long enough and if they change the most likely outcome will be they're vermin (or whatever). And definitely humans are more complex. I wish more people understood this; still though she was able to demonstrate this with Severus and she also notes how others are more than just what their house stands for. As for not allowing change: well you have to remember magic does have some part of it though it's not perfect (but the Hat will never admit it e.g. with Pettigrew).

                          – Pryftan
                          Apr 17 '18 at 21:13













                          while it doesn't answer the actual question I believe it does answer the spirit of the question. Also your point emphasize a lot of problems with grouping similar minded people together (that they will never change after 'because' of the grouping). Not a lot of people think about the impact of classifying people causing them to be that person - so +1

                          – Matt
                          Nov 27 '18 at 20:55





                          while it doesn't answer the actual question I believe it does answer the spirit of the question. Also your point emphasize a lot of problems with grouping similar minded people together (that they will never change after 'because' of the grouping). Not a lot of people think about the impact of classifying people causing them to be that person - so +1

                          – Matt
                          Nov 27 '18 at 20:55











                          0














                          It was to give each Founder’s House their preferred students.



                          The Sorting Hat himself explained that the four Founders of Hogwarts had different preferences in the type of students they wanted to accept, so the Sorting Hat was enchanted by them to decide which Founder’s House each student would be most compatible with, and assign students so the Founders would each have the ones they’d prefer in their House.




                          “Thus Hogwarts School began.

                          Now each of these four founders

                          Formed their own house, for each

                          Did value different virtues

                          In the ones they had to teach.

                          By Gryffindor, the bravest were

                          Prized far beyond the rest;

                          For Ravenclaw, the cleverest

                          Would always be the best;

                          For Hufflepuff, hard workers were

                          Most worthy of admission;

                          And power-hungry Slytherin

                          Loved those of great ambition.




                          The Sorting Hat’s song then goes on to say originally the founders wanted to have a way to have their favorite types of students in their Houses, even when they were dead and would have no part in the decision.




                          While still alive they did divide

                          Their favourites from the throng,

                          Yet how to pick the worthy ones

                          When they were dead and gone?

                          ’Twas Gryffindor who found the way,

                          He whipped me off his head

                          The founders put some brains in me

                          So I could choose instead!”

                          - Harry Potter and the Goblet of Fire, Chapter 12 (The Triwizard Tournament)




                          The reason that the founders chose to determine the Sorting by their was quite simply because that’s how they wanted the students in their House to be chosen. They likely did know that people’s characteristics could change, but they needed to determine which Houses the students would be placed in, which would need to be done when they start attending Hogwarts, since it also decided what room the students would sleep in. Presumably, whoever took over running the school chose to continue the tradition in honor of the school’s Founders, so used the Sorting Hat like the founders had intended, and as years went by, it became an ingrained part of Hogwarts which no one really wanted to take away.






                          share|improve this answer






























                            0














                            It was to give each Founder’s House their preferred students.



                            The Sorting Hat himself explained that the four Founders of Hogwarts had different preferences in the type of students they wanted to accept, so the Sorting Hat was enchanted by them to decide which Founder’s House each student would be most compatible with, and assign students so the Founders would each have the ones they’d prefer in their House.




                            “Thus Hogwarts School began.

                            Now each of these four founders

                            Formed their own house, for each

                            Did value different virtues

                            In the ones they had to teach.

                            By Gryffindor, the bravest were

                            Prized far beyond the rest;

                            For Ravenclaw, the cleverest

                            Would always be the best;

                            For Hufflepuff, hard workers were

                            Most worthy of admission;

                            And power-hungry Slytherin

                            Loved those of great ambition.




                            The Sorting Hat’s song then goes on to say originally the founders wanted to have a way to have their favorite types of students in their Houses, even when they were dead and would have no part in the decision.




                            While still alive they did divide

                            Their favourites from the throng,

                            Yet how to pick the worthy ones

                            When they were dead and gone?

                            ’Twas Gryffindor who found the way,

                            He whipped me off his head

                            The founders put some brains in me

                            So I could choose instead!”

                            - Harry Potter and the Goblet of Fire, Chapter 12 (The Triwizard Tournament)




                            The reason that the founders chose to determine the Sorting by their was quite simply because that’s how they wanted the students in their House to be chosen. They likely did know that people’s characteristics could change, but they needed to determine which Houses the students would be placed in, which would need to be done when they start attending Hogwarts, since it also decided what room the students would sleep in. Presumably, whoever took over running the school chose to continue the tradition in honor of the school’s Founders, so used the Sorting Hat like the founders had intended, and as years went by, it became an ingrained part of Hogwarts which no one really wanted to take away.






                            share|improve this answer




























                              0












                              0








                              0







                              It was to give each Founder’s House their preferred students.



                              The Sorting Hat himself explained that the four Founders of Hogwarts had different preferences in the type of students they wanted to accept, so the Sorting Hat was enchanted by them to decide which Founder’s House each student would be most compatible with, and assign students so the Founders would each have the ones they’d prefer in their House.




                              “Thus Hogwarts School began.

                              Now each of these four founders

                              Formed their own house, for each

                              Did value different virtues

                              In the ones they had to teach.

                              By Gryffindor, the bravest were

                              Prized far beyond the rest;

                              For Ravenclaw, the cleverest

                              Would always be the best;

                              For Hufflepuff, hard workers were

                              Most worthy of admission;

                              And power-hungry Slytherin

                              Loved those of great ambition.




                              The Sorting Hat’s song then goes on to say originally the founders wanted to have a way to have their favorite types of students in their Houses, even when they were dead and would have no part in the decision.




                              While still alive they did divide

                              Their favourites from the throng,

                              Yet how to pick the worthy ones

                              When they were dead and gone?

                              ’Twas Gryffindor who found the way,

                              He whipped me off his head

                              The founders put some brains in me

                              So I could choose instead!”

                              - Harry Potter and the Goblet of Fire, Chapter 12 (The Triwizard Tournament)




                              The reason that the founders chose to determine the Sorting by their was quite simply because that’s how they wanted the students in their House to be chosen. They likely did know that people’s characteristics could change, but they needed to determine which Houses the students would be placed in, which would need to be done when they start attending Hogwarts, since it also decided what room the students would sleep in. Presumably, whoever took over running the school chose to continue the tradition in honor of the school’s Founders, so used the Sorting Hat like the founders had intended, and as years went by, it became an ingrained part of Hogwarts which no one really wanted to take away.






                              share|improve this answer















                              It was to give each Founder’s House their preferred students.



                              The Sorting Hat himself explained that the four Founders of Hogwarts had different preferences in the type of students they wanted to accept, so the Sorting Hat was enchanted by them to decide which Founder’s House each student would be most compatible with, and assign students so the Founders would each have the ones they’d prefer in their House.




                              “Thus Hogwarts School began.

                              Now each of these four founders

                              Formed their own house, for each

                              Did value different virtues

                              In the ones they had to teach.

                              By Gryffindor, the bravest were

                              Prized far beyond the rest;

                              For Ravenclaw, the cleverest

                              Would always be the best;

                              For Hufflepuff, hard workers were

                              Most worthy of admission;

                              And power-hungry Slytherin

                              Loved those of great ambition.




                              The Sorting Hat’s song then goes on to say originally the founders wanted to have a way to have their favorite types of students in their Houses, even when they were dead and would have no part in the decision.




                              While still alive they did divide

                              Their favourites from the throng,

                              Yet how to pick the worthy ones

                              When they were dead and gone?

                              ’Twas Gryffindor who found the way,

                              He whipped me off his head

                              The founders put some brains in me

                              So I could choose instead!”

                              - Harry Potter and the Goblet of Fire, Chapter 12 (The Triwizard Tournament)




                              The reason that the founders chose to determine the Sorting by their was quite simply because that’s how they wanted the students in their House to be chosen. They likely did know that people’s characteristics could change, but they needed to determine which Houses the students would be placed in, which would need to be done when they start attending Hogwarts, since it also decided what room the students would sleep in. Presumably, whoever took over running the school chose to continue the tradition in honor of the school’s Founders, so used the Sorting Hat like the founders had intended, and as years went by, it became an ingrained part of Hogwarts which no one really wanted to take away.







                              share|improve this answer














                              share|improve this answer



                              share|improve this answer








                              edited Mar 29 '18 at 21:29

























                              answered Mar 29 '18 at 18:43









                              BellatrixBellatrix

                              73.7k13324370




                              73.7k13324370























                                  -1














                                  It is because each of the houses are based on an original founder of Hogwarts and each of the founders wanted their house to consist of people with certain qualities.






                                  share|improve this answer




























                                    -1














                                    It is because each of the houses are based on an original founder of Hogwarts and each of the founders wanted their house to consist of people with certain qualities.






                                    share|improve this answer


























                                      -1












                                      -1








                                      -1







                                      It is because each of the houses are based on an original founder of Hogwarts and each of the founders wanted their house to consist of people with certain qualities.






                                      share|improve this answer













                                      It is because each of the houses are based on an original founder of Hogwarts and each of the founders wanted their house to consist of people with certain qualities.







                                      share|improve this answer












                                      share|improve this answer



                                      share|improve this answer










                                      answered Jan 12 '13 at 22:35









                                      cbbcbailcbbcbail

                                      1192




                                      1192






























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