Fraternities in Bacolod City: What makes them attractive to college

student?

A sociological research presented by:

Imman Ray Aguilar

Krentz Nacionales

Presented to:

Virgilio Aguilar

Professor
 I. Introduction

Fraternities are often seen as both detrimental and beneficial to

college campuses. Some acknowledge the benefits of Greek organizations

for both the individuals who participate in them and for the

institution. A fraternity can provide a caring and supportive sub

community where students develop interpersonal and leadership skills

(Astin 1993), make friends, learn how an organization works, develop a

common cause, participate in community service, and have fun (Kuh &

Lyons, 1990). In addition, membership in fraternities has been found

to create a connection to the college or university, to increase

retention rates, and to increase alumni giving to the institution.

At the same time, fraternities and sororities are under fire for

behavior that is seen as antithetical to both the goals of higher

education and to the ideals upon which the national organizations were

founded. Many question the compatibility of Greek organizations with

the academys educational purposes, values, and attitudes (Kuh &

Lyons, 1990; Melaney, 1990; Neuberger & Hanson, 1997). In particular,

Greek organizations are questioned for organizational practices that

promote status distinction, reinforce conformity and social apathy,

and denigrate individual worth and dignity. Incidents of alcohol

abuse, hazing, sexual assault, and poor academic performance are often

the focus of media attention.

 a. Background of the Study

Fraternities in the Philippines are social organizations of men in

different colleges and universities in the Philippines having common

purpose, interests, and activities.

A fraternity is defined as a group of people united in a

relationship, having some common interests, activity, and purpose. It

is a brotherhood, as the members usually say, of people at a college

or university usually characterized by Greek letters.

For members, fraternity means brotherhood, unity, friendship, trust

and acceptance. It means meeting new people, sharing interests and

accepting others' as well. It helps in building confidence and

character because they believe that a fraternity gives a certain kind

of protection. It gives the feeling of security and importance.

It is somewhat comparable to gangs as they are both organization of

people. However, gangs usually lack purpose and acceptance to

communities. Usually linked with violence because members tend to

compete with each other. Unlike in fraternity, members have this

humility to help each other out and protect each other from an

outsider.

Initiation

A person usually joins a fraternity to be recognized and be a

part of something. The idea of having some-"buddy" gives a feeling of

confidence and security. In the Philippines, most of those who join

fraternities are middle class students seeking protection. Others are

students who come from the provinces and seek out fraternities that

group them among ethnic or regional lines. Some in universities, join

as to be part of an "elite" group of a particular department,

division, and/or course of study.

Before one can join a certain fraternity, he must undergo a

series of tasks approved by that certain group. These tasks test one's

integrity and endurance to prove his determination to be a member.

Usually these initiations are physical and mental practices. In the

Philippines, initiation is frequently violent and mentally degrading.

Some also says it includes erotic element. Because of these, they call

initiation hazing.

Hazing

Hazing means infliction of unnecessary or excessive work in order

to harass, an attempt to embarrass or disconcert by ridicule or

persistent criticism, or the subjecting (of a freshman or fraternity

pledge) to treatment intended to put in ridiculous or disconcerting

position. Just its meaning already gives a negative connotation on the

procedure of initiation of a fraternity. However, members who give

this ritual to a neophyte defends that its through hazing can they

prove one's endurance and thus achieves loyalty to the group.

Some come in forms of:

Paddling - sometimes over a lap, a knee, but mostly at the back of

the thigh or on the bare buttock;

Slapping - slapping of the face;

Tedious Cleaning - cleaning of toilet bowl, etc.;

Weird Clothing - an incoming member will be asked to wear a very

funny or weird costume that would impose a negative effect on the

wearer;

Food - a combination of food mixed and in absurd container;

Servitude - waiting on others (as at frat parties) or various

other forms of housework, often with pointless tests of obedience.

For many years now, many students are getting killed due to fraternity

hazing. Almost are students from the University of the Philippines.

Still, students risk serious injury or even death for the supposed

privilege of fraternity membership.

 Objectives of the Study

1. This study aims to understand the reason behind why college

students are joining fraternities.

2. The benefits and disadvantages of joining fraternities.

Scope and Limitation

This study was conducted in the City of Bacolod from the months

of February to March 2015. Only a selected number of certain

fraternity members were interviewed and identified.

II. Research and Methodology

a. Description of the Study Site

The study was conducted in the City of Bacolod, Negros

Occidental in Western Visayas. It is one of the largest

cities in the region and hosts many colleges and

universities that are home to various fraternities.

b. Description of participants

Participants were students and alumni who joined

fraternities here in Bacolod City.

c. Research Methods

Interview method the researchers conducted an

interview to each participant and ask them about their

respective fraternities.

III. Data Presentation and Analysis

*Refer to the Videos Attached for Interviews

IV. Conclusion

Based on the data gathered from the interviews, the

respondents showed no signs of regrets in joining

fraternities. Their attitude and values didnt reflect to

those of what the media says about them. According to them,

they have become a better citizen by joining a fraternity.

Its mainly because of the community work, civil service and

brotherhood that they exhibit and value.

But still there are many facts hidden in the dark about

them. It is clear that hazing still continues but not that

physically demanding compared to those in the past. Although

the process of getting in requires for you to be tested

physically, mentally and emotionally many students are still

joining fraternities today.

IV. Research Experiences and Lesson Learned

Imman Ray Aguilar

Having been recruited myself by many fraternities in the

past, I wasnt surprised aboit the results of our research.

Clearly there are certain advantages and disadvantages in

joining these brotherhoods. But it all goes down to what

do you believe in. some people may find fraternities good,

and I cant blame them. The only thing important for me is

that you wont have regrets when you join and that your
 beliefs and principles allign with those of your

brotherhood.

Krentz Nacionales

I had a great experience while conducting this research

because I get to meet new friends and new type of persons

including professionals, students and senior citizens. I

have also learned a lot of new things and my perception

about the word fraternity changed due to this research. I

have learned that not all fraternities are bad because

there are some fraternities that contribute to the success

and prosperity of people and nature. Some fraternities are

very helpful since they have their set of rules and

objectives as a fraternity that leads to helping one

another including other people and nature and with knowing

these things fraternities somehow caught my interest as a

student since I can get a lot of benefits in joining one

of those groups but once you will be a member of them you

cannot anymore get out because you will be always a member

even though you dont participate and that is why I am

still thinking if I will join or not but anyway I am

contented with my friends and companions thats why joining

these groups of frat is not that big deal for me anymore.