Fraternities and Collegiate Rape Culture

Matt, Brandon, Laura, Catherine, Nicholle

Rape culture

Is a set of values and beliefs that provide an environment conducive to rape

More likely to exist in fraternities with more alcohol drugs

Learned in the setting, not a previous knowledge

“Studs” vs. “Sluts”

Men glorified while women are harassed for hooking up Men’s sexuality is seen as more natural acceptable

and uncontrollable “men cannot control their sexual urges” (excuse)

Men viewed as initiators while women are passive or active resisters

Portrayal of aggression and domination of men over women in sexual behavior

High risk vs. Low risk parties

High risk: skewed gender ratios, less friendly, segregation; men on one side women on the other, women respected less, crude behavior touching pick up lines and no one on one conversation, more drugs and drinking

Low risk: equal number of men and women, friendly atmosphere, considerable interaction between men and women, couples, and coed groups, no cursing or yelling

Relationships viewpoints and definitions

The more people drank the more conversation and socializing broke down

Seeing each other: having sex but could date other people Men control the relationships, who its with, how much time they

spend together and if its cool Horrible environment for healthy boy girl relationships To guys most see a girlfriend as someone who you hang out with

after the guys to provide a sexual outlet. When men are in groups with other men they sense a pressure to

be disrespectful to women

Different viewpoints

Hooking up: – GUY: getting drunk and meeting up with a girl you sort of know

but don’t care about to try to get as much physical pleasure out of her as possible with no strings attached.

– GIRL: only with men they care about to kiss and make out but not sex, disappointing because they were looking for a long term relationship

Discussion questions

Why do men and women participate in activities that support a rape culture when they see its injustices?

What do you think would happen if alcohol were not controlled by groups of men who admit that they disrespect women when they get together?

Why do you think there are different viewpoints on the way guys act and the way girls act? What do you think this suggests about

human nature?