Something that we didn’t really get to in class is the social atmosphere on campus, primarily because (I think) we’ve been emphasizing that the average college student is no longer the 4-year residential student in Harvard-esque dorms and leafy green fields. And while we at a commuter campus may not feel the same atmosphere of “college” as some residential schools do, I think it’s an interesting topic nonetheless and speaks to the students of this generation.
This Times article from a few weeks ago, entitled “When a Feminist Pledges a Sorority,” talks about the seemingly contradictory values of feminism and Greek life. For some reason, over the last few years, sorority pledging has spiked significantly, much to the dismay of the feminists of the 70s and 80s. While many feminists (especially of generations past) see the sorority structure as an expression of white male dominance–many sororities have strict standards for dress and makeup, and national chapters still prohibit alcohol in their houses, for instance–today’s undergraduate feminists aim to redefine the role of the sorority. Many sororities have coordinated networking events for their members, held discussion forums on gender and sexuality, and act as a support system for young, ambitious women. And while the desire to be part of Greek life may seem like playing into male supremacy, many of these young women speak about today’s sororities as a way of destroying the patriarchy “from the inside.” After all, fraternity alumni make up a huge part of Fortune 500 CEOs, and many Silicon Valley success stories (Facebook, Snapchat, Instagram) had their base in a frat house. Undergraduate women see today’s sororities as their opportunity to build up lasting connections and advance their professional careers.
Before I read this article, I think I had a negative view of the whole pledging system and Greek life–who would want to stand in front of a bunch of judgmental women in heels and makeup, waiting for an evaluation? It feels so demeaning. But reading about these young feminists and the potential they view in sororities, I feel more inspired. Of course, sororities still have what to improve on, like broadening their inclusiveness and removing the ban on alcohol (which would give sororities control over parties, likely diminishing cases of sexual assault), but they could be heading there. Maybe there’s still a way to go until a college startup run by sorority women turns into the next Facebook, but I’d be very excited when it happens.
I didnt know that there was a ban on alcohol for sororities! That really sounds backwards to me. It’s sexist, and I do not understand how in this day and age something like this could pass as being ok. I don’t understand why they have this ban. Are many schools like this?
Anyway, I also had the notion that a sorority is just dressing up and objectifying yourself to fit in with the girls of the house. It’s interesting and relieving to know that they act as a support system. They’re more of a family than I thought they were.
Miriam, I also wanted to ask how allowing alcohol in sororities would help reduce sexual harassment. I don’t see why it would make a difference.
From what I understand, national sorority organizations have banned alcohol in their houses, and this has been going on for decades. Regarding the point about sexual harassment–while many say that giving students more places to drink will not have any benefit, a lot of people, especially these young women on campus, believe that if sororities had “home court advantage,” parties would be more under control. You can’t kick a guy out of his own house. There have been cases where the alcohol at frat parties was initially spiked with date rape drugs–so obviously guys can still slip it into individual drinks at a sorority party, but you can be sure that it won’t be there initially. Women, many believe, would be more responsible, having designated sober sisters at parties (which is what happens at a sorority at Dartmouth that broke away from its national chapter and serves alcohol). Female students report feeling a lot safer going to parties run by women, and they note that women look out for each other. And it’s another way to break down the male hegemony of campus culture. Of course, sexual assault doesn’t only happen at frat parties. But if we can at least do something about the frat parties, then we should.
There’s an article I read last year, “Sorority Anti-Rape Idea: Drinking on Own Turf,” that talks about this issue that says it all much better than I do: http://www.nytimes.com/2015/01/20/us/sorority-anti-rape-idea-drinking-on-own-turf.html
Miriam, I have to say I really appreciate you writing this blog post, and wish I had found it myself! As a member of Greek life and an evolving feminist, I too sometimes have trouble connecting the two. But the points you made were valid, especially considering the Greek life we find on our campus. I can’t speak for Greek life at typical “party” schools, but I’ve found that a sorority can help positively motivate women and can exclusively connect women to each other. Many of the stereotypes people have against sorority women are sexist themselves, so I am so happy you took the time to post this article and dive past generalizations.