[PeppyGPhiB]

I went to a small private school that is extremely selective with its admissions, and our greek system actually moved from locals to nationals ten years ago. Why? Because with the local system, no one was in control. Hazing was a problem, and with no national organizations to watch over the chapters, they did whatever they wanted. The national organizations have established programming, are willing to work with the school, and have brought in more members to the greek system.

I think most groups go local when they don't want to follow the rules. They thought joining a fraternity/sorority would be all fun & games, then when they joined, they were disappointed to find order instead.

For some groups, especially at "elite" schools, I think it may have more to do with personalities and life experience. The kids at Ivies, or similar, fought to get to the top of their high school classes so they could be at the best colleges. They weren't content to be one of the pack...they were independent. Many are very ambitious leaders and like doing things their way. Some are control freaks. Maybe they find locals better suit their desire to have complete control and do things their way.

...just another way of looking at things.