The link between Greek membership and social conservatism

[skylark]

I certainly haven't observed that NPC and IFC fraternities and sororities tend to attract more conservative people (my sorority had many liberal people, and this was in a very conservative red state). However, I do see that the fact that sororities and fraternities may attract people from higher income levels, which may make sense with the original poster's claims. One thing I would be curious about is whether there were "christian" sororities and fraternities included in the statistics. That would certainly make the statistics come out more conservative, I think. Also, are the Latino/Latina and African-American groups included? If not, this might make the statistics skewed, as well (since at least I've heard that NPC and IFC frats and sororities tend to be whiter than the average college population, unfortunately).

[LatinaAlumna]

Originally Posted by skylark

Also, are the Latino/Latina and African-American groups included?

In my experience, I haven't run into too many conservative LGLO members (with the exception of some from Texas). I'd say the vast majority of LGLO members that I know personally are liberals.

[Soliloquy]

I can see some truth in it, but I really think it depends on the region a chapter is located. There are some basic principles that can be upheld by everyone, such as acting with class and dignity, but you can't really make a blanket statement like that.

You will find more conservative people in the south, logically there will be a higher percentage of conservative people involved in any form of a GLO. However, that's not always the case! I would imagine that you would also find more diverse chapters in larger cities based on demographics.

Just my two cents though

[SoCalGirl]

I think on a National level all GLOs lean more conservatively than the individual chapters. Probably because older generations are more actively involved the higher up you go in the organization.

[skylark]

Originally Posted by LatinaAlumna

In my experience, I haven't run into too many conservative LGLO members (with the exception of some from Texas). I'd say the vast majority of LGLO members that I know personally are liberals.

I agree... that was why I was asking. If they aren't included in the statistic that would be highly likely to make it skewed, I think.

[violetpretty]

This is from my NPC perspective:

I think it has to do with how sororities are portrayed to the general population. How do they see us? Think of every sorority stereotype. Rich, exclusive, obsessed with looks, only in college to find a husband, parties, objectifying ourselves, etc. We are part of "the establishment" to the general population. I think conservatives tend to be more attracted to (or at least more okay with) this image than liberals.

However, if sororities were perceived as organizations to develop female leaders, organizations that are based on non-political values like friendship, loyalty, service, scholarship, etc. our chapters would be composed of a more representative microcosm of the particular campus.