An exploration of the negative stigmas surrounding Greek life Final Paper for SCOM 385- Qualitative Research

Research Questions How do members of fraternities and sororities account for the presence of stereotypes and stigma on their organization’s reputation at their university? How do members of fraternities and sororities account for the impact of stereotypes and stigma on the entire Greek community? The research questions asked how members of the Greek community accounted for the stereotypes that have developed around them in the recent years, and how these stereotypes affect the Greek community as a whole, not just at the one university

Methodology 5 members of the Greek community Example questions: 2 women in different sororities 3 men in different fraternities Example questions: What would you describe as the most difficult part of being a member of Greek Life? What, if any, recent events have contributed to negative perceptions of Greek life?

Results from interviews Participants view the main stereotypes as excessive drinking, hazing, poor academics, and paying for friends Participants feel these stereotypes arise from media portrayals, a lack of understanding from outsiders, a push from the University to do away with Greek life all together, and a lack of support from the higher education system

Media portrayals “Just everything on social media. Like there were those videos of those sorority girls scarily clapping in unison in front of their sorority house- and of course they were all beautiful and looked the same. And the way we’re shown in movies like House Bunny and stuff…. it’s just not accurate at all but the people who aren’t involved in Greek life only have stuff like that to base it on.”

Lack of understanding “He probably wasn’t involved in Greek life in college. Like yeah people are super quick to make assumptions and judge if they don’t understand. Yeah I would say it mostly comes down to a lack of understanding. I guarantee everyone who thinks badly about sorority girls or fraternities either wasn’t a part of it in college or got their heart broken by one.”

No support from university Kicking fraternities off campus Underground Fraternities No regulation

Benefits of Greek life Sense of belonging, friendships, sisterhood/brotherhood, a sense of inclusion and connection, chances to lead (like being on the executive board), and networking opportunities “There’s kind of this cool and like… I guess indescribable feeling of being involved in something and having that bond with 200 girls that only the 200 of you can understand.”

Moving forward “It’s really important that I remain, transparent I guess is the best word—with our neighbors, our brothers, their parents, everyone and anyone really.” “We always tell ourselves you never take your letters off.”

Questions?