project proposal #2

Leeann Barrett
Proposal
For my research project, what I intend on studying are the Greek community at Queens College. When I say Greek one my think that I am talking about people who are born or live in Rome but what I am referring to is the Sorority and the Fraternity community; more specifically Queens College Sororities. This society is most viewed as the ‘jocks and cheerleaders’ of college. Just like in High School, where it seemed as though they were in control of everything and no matter what they did they still managed to succeed and do well in school, it is the same with the Greek community; the good version of the ‘untouchable’. The only difference is that this power that they have superiority that they have in college does not end when graduation comes around. Members of these societies are often part of other organizations other than the sisterhood they are a part of. Many of them hold administrative offices in school, and in most cases hold the office of president.They also participate in outside organizations like the Big Brothers of America program for children that need a mentor in their lives because of the lack of a parental figure and the Breast Cancer Association. They are the future leaders of America.
The reason I choose this topic is mainly because I was interested in joining a sorority. I found that not only can this be an interesting group to observe but also that this will be a valuable learning experience for me. Through doing this research I will be able to better educate myself as well as serve as a vessel to maybe impact another individual in their decision of whether they would like to join a sister hood. Their personality and the wonder of their secret society is what caught my interest. They are the over achieves of society. They may be in the background but if one looks at many firms and within congress as well as look at many of our former presidents, a majority of them are part of a brotherhood/ sisterhood or have pledges.
Some questions I would like to answer are:
• How did you first hear about sororities?
• What was your initial view of what a sorority is and what they stand for as a whole?
• What aspects attracted you?
• What are some positive things that you have heard about sororities?
• What are some of the negative aspects you have heard> Did you believe the rumors?
• Why did you chose to be part if this sorority?
• Did you conduct and research before joining? (through conversing, internet, etc)
• What is the general relationship between the different sororities and fraternities? Is there any animosity or rivalry between them?
• Is there a ranking system like in the military?
• How are the rankings determined within and amongst sororities?
• Do you think that sororities are based on popularity now that you are a part? Did you believe this before hand?
• Why do sororities throw parties? what do you believe the reason behind it is?
• How they decide which philanthropy is chosen for them to participate in
• How does one become an honorable member? The head of the fraternity/ sorority?
I have done research by visiting and researching these:
• DeSantis, Alan D. Inside Greek U. fraternities, sororities, and the pursuit of pleasure, power, and prestige. Lexington, Ky: University P of Kentucky, 2007.
• Gordon, Michael, and Stephen Wilson. "Status Inconsistency and Satisfaction with Sorority Membership." University on North Carolina Press 48 (1969).
• Heaton, Margaret M. "Sororities and the School Culture." Journal of Educational Sociology 21. JSTOR. 04 Apr. 2009 .
• In the Fraternal Sisterhood: Sororities as Gender Stratergy 2nd ser. 9 (1995). JSTOR. 5 Apr. 2009 .
• Perkins, Glen. "The Elimination of Fraternities and Sororities in the Tucson High School." Chicago Journals 31 (1923). JSTOR. 5 Apr. 2009 .
• Robbins, Alexandra. Pledged The Secret Life of Sororities. New York: Hyperion, 2005.
• Willerman, Ben, and Leonard Swanson. "An Ecological Determinant of Differential Amounts of Sociometric Choice Within College." American Sociometry Association 15 (1952). JSTOR. 5 Apr. 2009 .
I have also visited blog sites and forums to see the feed back that pledges have towards events like rush, why they wanted to join as well as what fist attracted them to rush to join this sorority.
How I intend on doing this research is though the interviewing of different members of Sororities at QC. My first plan in doing this is by getting in touch with some members of Queens Colleges three sororities: Phi Sigma Sigma, Sigma Delta Phi and Delta Phi Epsilon. I will mainly focus on the reactions of newly entering members but I will also look to some f the older more invovled members. My research will be conducted through research, interview as well as through observation.
Some obstacles I am going to face is the idea of confidentiality. Some aspects of the brotherhood/ sisterhood members cannot express to outsiders. Some things I have to consider is that I am trying to rush also so I have to be careful what I ask and how I present the sorority. Another obstacle I might face is the events that I am planning to attend. If they are scheduled during Sabbath then I will not be able to attend and some of the events may include travel to another campus outside.