NCJ Number
176082
Date Published
1996
Length
167 pages
Annotation
Based on the author's own experiences as a member of a college sorority and her interviews with numerous persons involved in fraternity and sorority life, as well as a review of case studies, this book profiles the criminal and antisocial aspects of behavior in the context of fraternity and sorority life.
Abstract
The "Greek system" nurtures conformity to gain acceptance and offers the opportunity to belong to a "special" group when away from home in a strange new environment, where the fear of loneliness, isolation, and rejection makes sororities and fraternities attractive to new students. There is a dark side to this group life, however. Greek organizations have a history of excluding not only those who do not fit their "house" image, but minorities as well. Much behavior within the context of Greek life is hidden behind the projected image. Criminal and antisocial behavior includes gang rapes in fraternity houses as well as serious injuries or even death that result from drinking games or pledge "hazing." Nearly all Greek houses subject their new pledges to physical abuse and humiliation as a part of hazing, the testing phase and rite of passage necessary to become full-fledged brothers or sisters. Greek life often involves drinking, illegal drug use, and irresponsible and abusive sexual behavior. Greek life can be the spawning ground for life-long substance abuse, disease, sexually abusive behavior, and racial and sexual discrimination. Intense competition among houses and even between brothers or sisters from the same house often results in gang fights, eating disorders, the use of steroids, and plastic surgery. This book is intended for students and parents who are considering whether the joining of a fraternity or sorority is the right decision. For previous members of a Greek organization, this book provides an opportunity to reassess the structural problems of the Greek system and consider ways to achieve positive change. Notes, glossary, a subject index, and a list of resources