Fraternities: The power struggle

(2) Citation
Caitlin Flanagan, "The Dark Power of Fraternities", www.TheAtlantic.com, Feb. 19, 2014. Web. Feb 3 2014

(3) Summary: This article provides an in depth analysis of Fraternities and the behavior they produce. Primarily focused on the insurance industry, the article cites dozens of examples of Fraternity related injury and law-suit claims. It is centered around the fact that although the problems that exist in fraternities exist elsewhere, they are much more prevalent in Fraternities and in Greek life in general.

(4) Author: Caitlin Flanagan
A former staff-writer for The New Yorker Caitlin Flanagan is an experienced journalist who has done much research in regards to Greek life. A social critic, her experience with analyzing societal aspects and knowledge of Fraternities makes her a knowledgeable source.

(5) Key Terms
The "Power" of Fraternities: College's rely on student's money to keep them running. As such, keeping a University appealing is crucial in maintaining a smoothly running school. Greek organizations offer a key appeal to the young student body. Because of this colleges are often reluctant to address the problems that often plague fraternities. In this, the "Power" of fraternities develop, whereas the college that plays them host is in essence, powerless to discipline the Fraternity in any applicable or vigorous way.

"Rack Rooms" are rooms within a fraternity house, often on the top level, with an open design and bunk beds for sleeping. These rooms are often the facilitator of injury or death due to falls as they are generally located at the end of the house near a patio or window.

(6) Quotes

 

"It was a turning point: American colleges began to regard their students not as dependents whose private lives they must shape and monitor, but as adult consumers whose contract was solely for an education, not an upbringing. The doctrine of in loco parentis was abolished at school after school." (Paragraph 31) 

This quotes indicates the from where the privatization of school came about. The schools "stepping back" from the private lives of students has facilitated both the fraternities rise to power, and the increased privatization of high education. 

 

"The insurance industry ranked American fraternities as the sixth-worst insurance risk in the country—just ahead of toxic-waste-removal companies." (Paragraph 38)

This quote is revealing to say the least and sparked my personal interest. Are Fraternities really that much of a liability? Evidently, as this quote indicates, life or association within a fraternity exposes individuals to high risk behaviors. If it didn't, the insurance industry would not have placed such a high premium on the American Fraternity. 

"The answer may involve the deep power that fraternities exert over their host universities and the complex mix of institutional priorities in which fraternities are important stakeholder." (Paragraph 66) 

If Fraternities are such a problem why do Universities do nothing about them? it would appear that Fraternities exhibit some power over the schools that allow them sanctuary. Fraternities are a form of marketing, and the colleges that host them rake in the premiums. Because of this Universities are reluctant to punish Greek organizations and kick them off campus. 

(7) Value

This article offers a very critical perspective of Fraternity life. It shows that while Fraternities are often targeted by the media, they are often targeted for good reason. This article further supports evidence of the high risk behaviors that chapter members take part in. Furthermore, it also exemplifies that members of Greek organizations are not the only ones to be affected by the Fraternity or Sorority. It would seem that these organizations are a hot spot for violence and injury for both members and non-members. As such, this article offers deep insight into the inner workings of the Fraternity and how the continued proliferation of Greek organizations is maintained despite these happenings.