source:http://www.10tv.com/wwwexportcontent/sites/10tv/local/stories/2009/11/17/images/image_ou_280.jpg
As a member of a fraternity, Delta Tau Delta, I saw firsthand how norms of behavior were implemented. During rush my fraternity emphasized 'wild' parties with sororities the most. Thus, heavy drinking was immediately attributed to my fraternity's lifestyle. Although, we also were engaged in a limited amount of community service it was not something we mentioned too much in detail as well as anything about GPA expectations. I know the pledges we were looking for were athletic and 'cool' guys. Many of my fraternity brothers also wore certain brands of expensive clothes on the weekends such as Ralph Lauren, J. Crew, and Lacoste. By becoming a member you were accepted by a large group of people who threw large parties that girls attended. Hazing was implemented to get rid of weak individuals or guys who weren't committed as well as develop strength. An elitist view was emphasized when you became a Delt and were encouraged to display almost an overbearingness of confidence. At the time, we were considered a part of the 'big 3' on campus by some people, which also included Pike and Fiji. Other fraternities were considered inferior and sometimes altercations occurred. Subsequently, my fraternity was suspended for 5 years my junior year because of a hazing incident. A summary of the norms of behavior that were associated with my fraternity were partying, sports, 'gaming' with girls, while exuding a humorous and confident approach to life. On the other hand, school and volunteer work were of secondary importance. Through all of the partying, some members still managed to be admitted into graduate and law schools as well as on occasion medical school. Our overall GPA was about the average for Ohio University.
An article about Delta Tau Delta's suspension
http://past.oxfordjournals.org/content/198/1/147.extract
ReplyDeleteThis link provides another great example of how fraternities can be viewed through the constructionist lens. The article discusses how after world war one soldiers were returning from war and some attended higher education institutions. These veterans who attended college seeked brotherhood which they had while enlisted in the military. They socially constructed the fraternities as a place that fulfilled this longing for brotherhood and a sense of belonging.