Fraternities and Sororities

I

Introduction

Fraternities and Sororities, associations, mainly of college or university students and alumni, established to further the social, academic, professional, or humanitarian interests of members. Fraternities and sororities are often referred to as Greek-letter societies because they are almost always designated by letters of the Greek alphabet.

Fraternities started out in colonial America as literary and debating societies for students. Sororities came into existence later, in the mid-19th century. The word fraternity comes from the Latin word frater, meaning “brother”; the word sorority comes from the Latin word soror, meaning “sister.” There are four types of Greek-letter organizations: social, professional, academic or honorary, and service. Of these, social Greek-letter organizations are the best known and most numerous.

II

Social Fraternities and Sororities

Social fraternities and sororities contribute to the social development of members through organized social events and service projects. Campus fraternities or sororities are generally referred to as chapters, and may or may not be affiliated with a national organization. Many chapters maintain houses on or near the campus where members can meet and hold social functions. Most of these houses provide living accommodations for a portion of their members, and some also provide meals.

Social fraternities and sororities are known for their parties, dances, and other social activities. But they also promote academic achievement, offer scholarships, and provide leadership opportunities. They may organize charity events and encourage their members to be active in community service work and other campus organizations. Many of these activities benefit members by helping them adjust to college, make lifelong friends, and prepare them for the future.

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However, social Greek organizations have also been plagued by their share of social problems. These problems include discrimination, dangerous initiation rites, high alcohol consumption, sexual assault, and even rape.

Today, only a small percent of college students are members of social fraternities and sororities. About 5 percent of all college students belong to social Greek-letter societies. At four-year colleges, about 7 percent are members. The number of members varies from campus to campus. Some campuses don’t have any, while at others more than half the students are members.

Social fraternities and sororities select their members from the student body without regard to academic major or field of study. Social fraternities and sororities restrict membership to a single sex and often consist of persons with similar religious backgrounds or ethnicity.

A

Becoming a Member

Traditionally, during the fall of each academic year, students interested in becoming members of a fraternity or sorority participate in rush. During this time, students get acquainted with different Greek-letter organizations and the organizations have the opportunity to meet prospective members. At the end of the rush period, organizations extend invitations for membership, known as bids. Students then decide which bid, if any, to accept. If they accept a bid, they are said to be “pledged” to that organization and are known as pledges or probationary members. During the probationary period—which may last from a few days to several months—pledges learn about the history, traditions, and ideals of the fraternity. At the end of this period, the fraternity or sorority initiates pledges into lifelong membership. The initiation takes place at a special ceremony designed to embody the spirit and beliefs of the organization. Each chapter has its own ceremony, which it tries to keep secret.

Today, some of these traditions are changing. For example, some chapters no longer use the term pledge because they are concerned it suggests a lower status. Instead, some chapters now refer to pledges as new members or associate members. Some chapters are also abandoning the annual rush in favor of an ongoing recruitment effort that is not limited to one particular time of year.

B

Effects of Membership

Participation in a fraternity or sorority produces a significant impact on the lives of many members. Members participate in more extracurricular activities than nonmembers, are more likely to graduate, and many claim to be more satisfied with their education. Research shows that membership can have a positive effect on grades if a chapter supports academic achievement, and a negative effect if it does not.

Fraternities and sororities can provide a supportive peer group and help new students adjust to college. They also offer a network of people who may be able to help advance the careers of other members. But there is little reliable evidence that Greek-letter organizations perform these functions better than residence halls and other kinds of student organizations.

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