Positives and Negatives of Greek Life. An Ethnography and the Current State of Our Fraternal System

Research Paper (postgraduate) from the year 2014 in the subject Ethnology / Cultural Anthropology, grade: 100, University of Houston, course: Anthropology, language: English, abstract: Oftentimes in today's society, Greek Life is described as "Archaic and stupid" , and that joining a fraternity or sorority is an expensive old-boys club that caters to the privileged and beautiful. It is hip to bash Greeks, and paint them out to be heathens and party animals. However, if you approach those who are or were actually involved with Greek life, an overwhelming majority will tell you that it is the best decision that they have ever made in their lives. Joining a Greek organization provides a strong group of peers, ranging from freshmen to seniors, across all majors, that are there to assist with the adjustments and changes that go along with beginning your college career. This study's aim is to examine the positive and negative aspects of joining Greek Life in college, and how those who are involved in Greek Life have been affected by their choice to join a letter society. In addition, this study looks at independent college students who never joined a Fraternity or Sorority, why they made that decision, and whether they regret it. Overall, this research and ethnography into Greek life examines how Greeks view their decision to join, why they joined, the best and worst things about Greek life, and their views on school spirit versus the views held by non-Greeks.