Sororities and Feminism

[justgo_withit]

It's important to look at what sororites are on a national level when it comes to things like this, because I feel like this sort of cultural thing varies greatly between chapters and campuses. Are there any solid numbers for average Panhellenic chapter size or average number of PNMs? A quick google search didn't really get me anything.

My small chapter at a small technical school very much supported and encouraged me to become a better woman. Before finding us, many of my chapter sisters (myself as well) were the "I don't like girls" type and had no interest in sororities before getting to campus. We all came to our senses and realized it wasn't women we disliked, but drama. In this way, my sorority has taught me to love other women and definitely how to understand/emphasize with/get along with them. I know we had some really great talks about problems women have in friendships with each other and were better off for it.

Meanwhile, a gorgeous SEC chapter of 500 girls who have had a gaggle of girlfriends since they were in elementary school probably faces different challenges. I would hope that all chapters aspire to live their values and the perceptions of others are incorrect, but I have no experience in that sort of large scale recruitment/chapter.

[HQWest]

Back in the day - in the south, some schools only begrudgingly gave in to legislators in allowing women in to campus. Sometimes this was done by limiting the classes they could take - but also in limiting their access to campus. In the early 20th century - it would not have been seemly for a young lady to live alone or in a boarding house. Schools avoided having to deal with coeds by not allowing for dormitories for women. A woman who wanted to attend would need to find a family member living nearby. Two groups stepped up to address this - sororities and the Scottish Rite. The origins of the southern manor sorority houses are in providing comparable safe housing.

ETA: I think that some of the origins of the emphasis on rec letters and knowing someone in the house already comes from feeling like new members would be new roommates. In the case of the old sleeping porches - this might be true for the whole chapter.