What is a sorority?

If you’re about to start college, you may be attending a campus that has lots of sororities. What is a sorority? How can I join one? Should I join a sorority? If you’re looking for answers, take a look at what a sorority is.

A sorority is a collegiate social organization for women only. Part of the Panhellenic system in colleges across America, “Greek life” consists of sororities which are for women only and fraternities which are for men only.

Being a member of a sorority provides an instant network to facilitate friendships. This can be particularly valuable for freshmen who are away from home for the first time and establishing new connections. Sororities plan events with fraternities which is another social opportunity. Each sorority typically has a philanthropy which allows women to give back to society and help others. Some sororities take pride in their chapter’s members having a high GPA, holding study tables to help members keep their grades up. After graduation, Greek connections could be an advantage for those networking for a job.

Sororities and fraternities can trigger stereotypes in some people’s minds. The reality is that there is an increasing problem of binge drinking among college women. Critics of sororities and fraternities believe that these groups glamorize alcohol and promote binge drinking. Hazing is another serious issue associated with Greek life. A financial aspect Greek life for both men and women is the substantial cost required of members. This cost fuels critics’ belief that being in a sorority is just a way of buying friends. Another disadvantage of being in a sorority is what can happen when a woman joins a sorority but later decides to leave the group - she may retain some friends from the club but others will shun her.