Greek life – all fun, no work?
Greek life at colleges and universities generally doesn’t have the greatest of reputations. Most people only hear or read about Greek life in connection with scandals such as hazing-related injuries or deaths, sexual assault allegations, or racist incidents. Beyond that, perceived negatives associated with both fraternities and sororities include:
On the other hand, many students and graduates will say that being part of Greek life had numerous benefits while they were in college and for years to decades after.
However, it has been estimated that about 10% of college students, or 750,000 students overall, are members of fraternities or sororities. Membership ranges from 5% at some institutions to 75% at others, with colleges in the southern U.S. having generally higher membership rates. The number of alumni is estimated to be around nine million, or about 3% of the U.S. population.
- Some Greek organizations have a reputation for being exclusive and selective, which can create a sense of elitism on campus. This exclusivity can lead to feelings of exclusion and division among students who are not part of Greek life.
- Greek organizations can perpetuate stereotypes based on factors like race, gender, and socioeconomic status. Some fraternities and sororities may have a history of exclusionary practices that reinforce these stereotypes. Only a few co-ed or gender-inclusive fraternities and sororities welcome members of all genders and are designed to be more inclusive. Examples include Alpha Phi Omega (a co-ed service fraternity) and Alpha Delta Phi (a co-ed literary fraternity). Gender-inclusive sororities, like Sigma Psi Zeta, have also emerged to create spaces for individuals of all gender identities.
- Historically, Greek organizations have faced criticism for their lack of diversity and inclusion. Some have been slow to change and adapt to more inclusive membership policies.
- Joining a Greek organization can be expensive, with membership dues, fees, and costs associated with activities and events. This financial burden can be a barrier for some students, particularly minority students and students from a lower socioeconomic status (SES), and lead to financial stress.
- Party culture with excessive alcohol and substance abuse, sometimes leading to increased sexual activity but also sexual harassment and assault.
- Some studies have suggested that Greek-affiliated students may have lower average GPAs than their non-Greek peers.
On the other hand, many students and graduates will say that being part of Greek life had numerous benefits while they were in college and for years to decades after.
- Greek organizations provide a built-in social network and a sense of belonging. Members often form close bonds with fellow members, creating a sense of community and support throughout their college years and beyond.
- Many Greek organizations have mentorship programs that pair newer members with experienced members, providing guidance and support throughout their college journey.
- Fraternities and sororities often offer leadership roles within the organization, which can help members develop valuable leadership skills, including teamwork, organization, communication, and time management.
- Greek life offers a wide range of social events and activities, including parties, formals, mixers, and themed events. These can enhance the college experience and provide opportunities for socializing and having fun.
- Some Greek organizations prioritize academic success and offer resources like study groups, tutoring, and incentives for maintaining good grades. Chapters may have academic requirements for membership.
- Greek organizations frequently engage in philanthropic and community service activities. This allows members to give back to their communities and develop a sense of civic responsibility.
- Joining a fraternity or sorority can help students build self-confidence, improve public speaking skills, and develop interpersonal skills. Many organizations also provide personal development workshops and seminars.
- Leadership roles, community service, and involvement in Greek life can enhance a student's resume and make them more competitive in the job market.
- Greek organizations often emphasize the idea of "brotherhood" or "sisterhood," and the relationships formed within these groups can last a lifetime. Alumni often maintain strong connections with their fraternity or sorority brothers or sisters. Alumni networks can be extensive, providing members with valuable connections for internships, job opportunities, and career advice. Many alumni maintain strong ties to their fraternity or sorority long after graduation.
However, it has been estimated that about 10% of college students, or 750,000 students overall, are members of fraternities or sororities. Membership ranges from 5% at some institutions to 75% at others, with colleges in the southern U.S. having generally higher membership rates. The number of alumni is estimated to be around nine million, or about 3% of the U.S. population.
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Among the 3,000 undergraduate students participating in my survey, 11% participated in Greek life. The percentage of female students in a sorority was significantly higher (13%) than the share of male students who participated in fraternities (7%). When we look at self-reported grade point average (GPA) as a measure of academic achievement, students engaged in Greek life had an average GPA of 3.24 (females 3.22; males 3.26) compared to an average GPA of 3.40 (females 3.43; males 3.31) for students who weren’t part of Greek life. While the difference between the two groups is not significant, it nevertheless offers some support to the perception that some students participating in Greek life worry more about having fun than studying.
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Looking at the average number of nights students reported going out per week, Greek life students had an average of 1.4 nights/week, with only 7% going out on more than two nights per week. Non-Greek life students reported going out even less (1.0 nights/week), and only 6% ventured out more than two nights per week. The difference between the two groups could be bigger, though, because Greek life students may not have included attendance at fraternity or sorority events and meetings in the number of days going out.
What about alcohol, drugs, and sex? Are Greek life students more inclined to get intoxicated and engage in casual sex more often? They don’t think so, at least as far as sex is concerned. Only 42% of Greek life students chose ‘yes’ to the question, ‘Do you think being part of Greek life or a student organization leads to more sexual activity?’. On the other hand, 72% of non-Greek life students felt that participation in Greek life would indeed lead to more sexual activity. However, slightly more Greek life students agreed that being out and surrounded by friends makes it more likely to meet someone and engage in sexual activity (53%) than non-Greek life students (48%).
Almost identical shares of Greek life students (75.5%) and non-Greek life students (72.4%) had engaged in sexual activity by the time they participated in my survey. However, significantly more Greek life students (56%) admitted to having engaged in casual sex or a one-night stand compared with non-Greek life students (45%). The average number of sex partners over the last 12 months was 1.9 for non-Greek life students, with 20% not having had any sex partner during that time and the same percentage having had more than two sex partners. Greek life students had 2.2 sex partners on average over the last 12 months, with 17% having had no sex during that time but 43% having enjoyed sex with more than two partners.
When it comes to alcohol and drugs, 83% of Greek life students admitted to having consumed alcohol and 27% to drugs. By comparison, fewer non-Greek life students had enjoyed alcoholic drinks (59%), but about the same number had consumed drugs (24%). The most commonly consumed drug for both groups was marijuana. Asked if they had ever engaged in sexual activity under the influence, 67% of non-Greek life students said ‘yes’ for alcohol and 75% for drugs, compared with 77% for alcohol and 68% for drugs for Greek life students.
In summary, we can say that the survey data show that students participating in Greek life had a lower average GPA, reported going out more often, were more likely to engage in casual sex, had slightly more sex partners, and were much more likely to consume alcohol than non-Greek life students. However, there is no difference in drug consumption between the two groups, and they are equally likely to engage in sexual activity under the influence of alcohol or drugs.
What about alcohol, drugs, and sex? Are Greek life students more inclined to get intoxicated and engage in casual sex more often? They don’t think so, at least as far as sex is concerned. Only 42% of Greek life students chose ‘yes’ to the question, ‘Do you think being part of Greek life or a student organization leads to more sexual activity?’. On the other hand, 72% of non-Greek life students felt that participation in Greek life would indeed lead to more sexual activity. However, slightly more Greek life students agreed that being out and surrounded by friends makes it more likely to meet someone and engage in sexual activity (53%) than non-Greek life students (48%).
Almost identical shares of Greek life students (75.5%) and non-Greek life students (72.4%) had engaged in sexual activity by the time they participated in my survey. However, significantly more Greek life students (56%) admitted to having engaged in casual sex or a one-night stand compared with non-Greek life students (45%). The average number of sex partners over the last 12 months was 1.9 for non-Greek life students, with 20% not having had any sex partner during that time and the same percentage having had more than two sex partners. Greek life students had 2.2 sex partners on average over the last 12 months, with 17% having had no sex during that time but 43% having enjoyed sex with more than two partners.
When it comes to alcohol and drugs, 83% of Greek life students admitted to having consumed alcohol and 27% to drugs. By comparison, fewer non-Greek life students had enjoyed alcoholic drinks (59%), but about the same number had consumed drugs (24%). The most commonly consumed drug for both groups was marijuana. Asked if they had ever engaged in sexual activity under the influence, 67% of non-Greek life students said ‘yes’ for alcohol and 75% for drugs, compared with 77% for alcohol and 68% for drugs for Greek life students.
In summary, we can say that the survey data show that students participating in Greek life had a lower average GPA, reported going out more often, were more likely to engage in casual sex, had slightly more sex partners, and were much more likely to consume alcohol than non-Greek life students. However, there is no difference in drug consumption between the two groups, and they are equally likely to engage in sexual activity under the influence of alcohol or drugs.
