Abstract and Works Cited!

Abstract: I chose to study the topic of the ratio system from the lens of context, using a framework implemented by previous research that identifies context as a major factor influencing the likelihood of sexual violence occurring. Because this framework identified fraternities as a context of heightened sexual danger, I thought there might be a link between the ratio system commonly implemented at fraternity parties,  and the consistency of fraternity parties as a sexually dangerous context. My paper consolidated academic research around sexual violence on college campuses and interpreted how these findings could be relevant alongside the ratio system in exploring what makes fraternity parties so dangerous as a context. Although these findings did not identify specific factors making fraternity parties a sexually dangerous context, they did identify many fraternity norms that intuitively seem linked to high risk of fraternity parties as a context for sexual assault. Personal interviews I conducted, along with informal research, reinforced these findings, demonstrating that men often behave outside of normal social boundaries at these parties, and that women are often uncomfortable with this environment as a result. Finally, I explored potential solutions for the problem of the ratio system and the larger sexual danger of fraternity parties as a context. Although no evidence exists definitively linking the ratio system to the risks associated with fraternity parties, my research indicates that it certainly may be a factor leading to this risk. Altogether, I recommend that the norms of fraternity culture be examined more thoroughly, and that punishment for sexual violence be given out more often, with the goal of creating a more consent-based environment at parties on campus. 

Works Cited: 

  1. Appel, Eliana Interview. Conducted by Talia Rosen, 12 March 2020.
  2. Ardin, Brooke. Interview. Conducted by Talia Rosen, 15 March 2020.
  3. Armstrong, Elizabeth & Hamilton, Laura & Sweeney, Brian. (2006). Sexual Assault on Campus: A Multilevel, Integrative Approach to Party Rape. Social Problems
  4. Cashin, J., et al. “Alcohol Use in the Greek System: Follow the Leader?” Journal of Studies on Alcohol, vol. 59, no. 1, Journal of Studies on Alcohol, inc., Jan. 1998, pp. 63–70, doi:10.15288/jsa.1998.59.63.
  5. Flanagan, Story by  Caitlin. “The Dark Power of Fraternities.” The Atlantic, Atlantic Media Company, 9 Sept. 2019, www.theatlantic.com/magazine/archive/2014/03/the-dark-power-of-fraternities/357580/
  6. Foubert, John. “Opinion: 'Rapebait' e-Mail Reveals Dark Side of Frat Culture.” CNN, Cable News Network, 9 Oct. 2013, www.cnn.com/2013/10/09/opinion/foubert-fraternities-rape.
  7. Hernandez, Sean. “Sexual Economics: an Econometric Study of a University Greek System :: University of Southern California Dissertations and Theses.” Sexual Economics: an Econometric Study of a University Greek System :: University of Southern California Dissertations and Theses, University of Southern California, 18 July 2014, digitallibrary.usc.edu/cdm/ref/collection/p15799coll3/id/445745.
  8. Hoffman, Erynne. Interview. Conducted by Talia Rosen. 15 March 2020.
  9. Mellins CA, Walsh K, Sarvet AL, Wall M, Gilbert L, Santelli JS, et al. (2017) Sexual assault incidents among college undergraduates: Prevalence and factors associated with risk. PLoS ONE 12(11): e0186471. https://doi.org/10.1371/ journal.pone.0186471
  10. Peller, Zachary. Interview. Conducted by Talia Rosen. 4 March 2020.
  11. Rosenblum, JJ. Interview. Conducted by Talia Rosen, 1 March 2020. 
  12. Sanday, Peggy Reeves. Fraternity Gang Rape: Sex, Brotherhood, and Privilege on Campus. New York University Press, 2007.
  13. Scott-Sheldon, Lori A J, et al. “Alcohol Interventions for Greek Letter Organizations: A Systematic Review and Meta-Analysis, 1987 to 2014.” Health Psychology : Official Journal of the Division of Health Psychology, American Psychological Association, U.S. National Library of Medicine, 16 May 2016, www.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/pubmed/27183305.

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