NCJ Number
231671
Journal
Journal of Gang Research Volume: 17 Issue: 4 Dated: Summer 2010 Pages: 13-20
Date Published
2010
Length
8 pages
Annotation
This study examined whether fraternal organizations encourage and support academic success, or reinforce deviance and law-breaking.
Abstract
This study was a pilot investigation of the relationship between gangs and Greek organizations at an urban university. Participants included 42 males and 51 females, with Greeks representing about one-half the sample. Participants were ethnically diverse, and representative as to age and student status. An interview questionnaire and a "student behavior rating scale" were employed to explore student experiences and behavior. The underlying structure of the student behavior rating scale was examined by factor analysis, and effects of gang familiarity and involvement are explored in the context of this analysis. The hypothesis that that Greeks would have experienced greater contact with or exposure to gangs was not supported. Evidence that fraternities and sororities serve a protective role is discussed. Tables, figure, and references (Published Abstract)