What's the point of Houses?

[ghinghapuss]

No: HPFGUIDX 75657

> Hello.
> I am wondering why Hogwarts needs these different Houses to begin 
> with. I mean, what is the point of sorting all the brave students 
to > live in a dorm together, all the ambitious people together, 
etc.? 
> What does that accomplish? Everyone receives the same education 
> anyway (different Houses have classes together). I understand that 
> the students need to be placed in groups for the sake of 
> organization, but why does that organization (i.e. Sorting) depend 
on > their personality? Why can't the Hat just randomly select 
students > for each House? A lot of bad will seems to crop up at 
Hogwarts in > large part to the House system. Any thoughts?
> greatlit2003

Me:
It's pure British tradition and a very old fashioned one that still 
exists at many schools today.  Being British and having went through 
a girls school that has Houses, I can explain that its used to create 
loyalty, to encourage strong fraternity/sorority, promote 
competition.  As well as stimulating segregation and the need to 
socialize 'only' with ones peers.  

I remember well the feeling that my house was my home and the strong 
loyalty and jubilation at winning the house cup at the end of the 
year.  Which we did twice while I was there.  You see, I still feel 
the need to tell you, a stranger, that bit of completely irrelevant 
information. Who care if my house won twice, right? I still do.

Today in America I would equate it with employee brand loyalty.  If 
you work of a corporation like Coca Cola, (this is a hypothetical 
example as I've never worked for Coca Cola) the company goes to great 
lengths to ensure you, as an employee, feels as if you belong to 
the 'family,' and that Pepsi is the 'enemy'. I'm sure those words are 
not used but you get the idea.  It helps to promote loyalty in its 
employees to work towards a common goal with common allies and common 
enemies.  

I'm afraid this is not a good explanation but I'm sure there are many 
better scholars out there that can explain what I'm trying to say 
better.
Mandy