Presenter(s): Leanne Johnson − Sociology
Faculty Mentor(s): CJ Pascoe
Oral Session 2CS
Research Area: Social Science
The prevalence of greek life and its integration on college campuses throughout time contributed to the emergence of a culture specific to those communities, guided by values that are reflective of and enforced by the structure of fraternities and sororities. This research aims to identify the ways in which the structure and culture of greek life impacts the identities of members. Utilizing a qualitative approach, this study employs techniques of both participant observation and 30-60 minute in-depth qualitative interviews, using an open-ended interview guide as a means of distinguishing commonality amongst interviews but recognizing new trends produced by respondent follow-up and probing. I have found that fraternities and sororities are demanding in terms of expectations and time, leading members to spend a significant amount of personal time and commitment to meet those demands. I argue that due to the regulation of behavior through various mechanism such as mandatory attendance of events, expectations of presentation, and constraints on individual action; individuals in the greek community compromise aspects of personal identity to gain membership to a fraternity or sorority. Understanding the ways in which joining this form of community can impact individual experiences is important in evaluating their placement on college campuses. Being able to recognize these patterns serve as a framework for looking into the culture and structure of other demanding organizations that can similarly impact the ways individuals cultivate and understand their own identities.