Literature Review #1

Literature Review 1

Garrett, D. "The value of the Greek system: Should fraternities and sororities have a place on campus." The University of Vermont 29 (2002). Summary This article written by Deanna M. Garrett is an analysis on the positive and negative outcomes of fraternity involvement. The article also touches on the history of fraternities. In regard to the negative outcomes of fraternity involvement, Garrett focuses on alcohol culture. There are numerous counts of alcohol abuse as well as death caused by alcohol consumption. Another topic is sexual assault. It is known that fraternities have been involved in many cases regarding sexual assault and it is not something someone can deny. I am in a fraternity and I wouldn't even deny that. Even though my fraternity personally has not had any involvement with something of this nature, it happens. Another topic addressed is discrimination. Fraternities began predominately white and this is the way it has stayed for many places. Deanna then begins to pick apart the positive outcomes of fraternal involvement and talks about a lot of what I have said throughout my blogs. It helps you build relationships and networks. She concludes her paper by stating that it is obvious that the negatives outweigh the positives, but if the negatives are not happening then the positives must play a huge role in who you are as a fraternity member as well as who you are as a member of a college society.  Author Deanna M. Garrett is a graduate from the University of Virginia. She graduated in 1997 with a Bachelor's degree in Religious studies as well as a minor in Biology. She is now a Graduate Assistant in the Department of Residential Life. Quotes "Fraternities and sororities may rightly claim to be social outlets for students, to create opportunities to develop interpersonal and leadership skills, and to be environments where members are welcome and can develop a sense of belonging. As a result, fraternities and sororities may facilitate positive psychosocial development. However, in the context of the current culture of alcohol abuse, sexual assault, racism, heterosexism, and elitism in the Greek system, it may be harder to facilitate this development." "Fraternities and sororities provide students with social outlets and the opportunity to interact with peers." Value This article has provided me with somewhat of a new perspective on things. Usually when someone is talking about the negative aspects of fraternities, they are just bashing them and cannot understand why someone would want to get involved with something of that nature. This author puts it in a way that seems a bit more level-headed than most articles I've read. She also links a historical aspect to fraternal activity which also gives me a new perspective.