Fraternities and sororities
Fraternities and sororities (Latin: fraternitas and sororitas, 'brotherhood' and 'sisterhood'), collectively referred to as Greek Life, are social organizations at North American colleges and universities. Generally, membership in a fraternity or sorority is obtained as an undergraduate student but continues thereafter for life. Some accept graduate students as well.[1][2] Individual fraternities and sororities vary in organization and purpose, but most share five common elements:
This article is about the student social organizations. For other types, see Professional fraternities and sororities and Honor society. For other uses, see Fraternity (disambiguation).
Fraternities and sororities engage in philanthropic activities, host parties, provide "finishing" training for new members such as instruction on etiquette, dress, and manners, and create networking opportunities for their newly graduated members.
Fraternities and sororities can be tax-exempt 501(c)(7) organizations in the United States.
Fraternities and sororities have been criticized for practicing elitism and favoritism, discriminating against non-white students and other marginalized groups, conducting dangerous hazing rituals, and facilitating alcohol abuse. Many colleges and universities have sought to reform or eliminate them due to these concerns, but these efforts have typically been met with intense controversy.[3][4][5][6]
Criticism[edit]
Homogeneous membership and elitism[edit]
Greek letter organizations have often been characterized as elitist or exclusionary associations, organized for the benefit of a largely white, upper-class membership base. Members of fraternities and sororities disproportionately come from certain socio-economic demographics.[49] Fraternities specifically have been criticized for what is perceived as their promotion of an excessively alcohol-fueled, party-focused lifestyle.
New York Times columnist Frank Bruni questioned the existence of exclusive clubs on campuses that are meant to facilitate independence, writing "Colleges should be cultivating the kind of sensibility that makes you a better citizen of a diverse and distressingly fractious society. How is that served by retreating into an exclusionary clique of people just like you?"[61]
Some colleges and universities have banned Greek letter organizations because they are, by their nature and structure, elitist and exclusionary. The oldest ban was at Princeton University, though Princeton has now had fraternities since the 1980s.[62] Oberlin College banned "secret societies" (fraternities and sororities) in 1847,[63] and the prohibition continues to the present.[64] Quaker universities, such as Guilford College and Earlham College, often ban fraternities and sororities because they are seen as a violation of the Quaker principle of equality.[65][66] Brandeis University has never permitted fraternities or sororities as it maintains a policy that all student organizations have membership open to all.[67] Hamilton College did not prohibit fraternities, but to improve campus social conditions, in 1995 mandated that all students would be required to live and eat on campus; the college also bought the fraternity houses.[68]
Alcohol use[edit]
One Harvard University study found that "4 out of 5 fraternity and sorority members are binge drinkers. In comparison, other research suggests 2 out of 5 college students overall are regular binge drinkers."[69] There is also a higher rate of alcohol-related deaths and injuries among fraternities, which has resulted in many lawsuits and suspensions.[70][71][72][73]
Drug use[edit]
Studies have shown that fraternity and sorority members are more likely than the average college student to use or abuse drugs. Since the 1990s, fraternity members have experienced an increase of over 400% in the recreational use of prescription benzodiazepines like Xanax and Valium. Amphetamine use with drugs like Ritalin and Adderall is more common among fraternity members than other college students. Fraternity members also abuse amphetamines at double the rate than their non-college peers. Marijuana use is also more prevalent among fraternity and sorority members compared to college men and women not in fraternities or sororities.[74][75]