Conference

What You Don’t Know: Keys to Understanding the Relevance of Culturally-Based Fraternities and Sororities, Dean of Students/Greek Affairs

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Abstract

Throughout history, fraternal organizations have strived to develop men and women into better individuals. This values-centric mission remains a core principle of fraternities and sororities today. Social Identity Theory (Tajfel and Turner, 1986) asserts than an individual’s sense of identity is rooted in their belonging to a social group. Culturally based fraternities and sororities allow for students of similar backgrounds and values to come together and contribute to greater purposes. In environments where minority individuals may feel excluded from the larger population, culturally based fraternities and sororities can serve as a much needed haven/home. While universities are still far from having meaningful integration within their student populations, in recent years, there has seemed to be growing signs of inclusion and diversity across all fraternal organizations. As the lines start to blur, with more and more students of diverse ethnic backgrounds joining historically white fraternal organizations, the question must be asked—will we continue to need cultural fraternities and sororities? Participants in this session should be able to articulate the benefits and challenges of membership in a culturally based fraternity or sorority