Study Finds Men in Fraternities May Be Less Hostile to Women Than Other College Men

A study by researchers at Loyola University and Tulane University in New Orleans finds that men who are in college fraternities are less likely than other male college students to have hostile attitudes directed against women that can lead to sexual aggression or assault.

The researchers surveyed a large group of men at three educational institutions to determine their attitudes toward women and masculinity. The researchers found that hypermasculinity — callous sex attitudes towards women and the belief that danger is exciting and violence is manly — plays a role in developing hostility towards women and sexually aggressive attitudes. And the researchers found that these attitudes were more prevalent in men that did not belong to fraternities. The authors stated that men in fraternities have achieved a certain social status within their group and may not have to exhibit hypermasculinity traits to the same degree as other college men.

Charles Corprew, a professor at Loyola University and one of the authors of the study stated, “The important aspect to remember is that we need to prevent sexual assault. College men face development issues and challenges that may lead to negative coping, particularly if these attitudes and behaviors have been socialized over time. Our job is to provide the necessary resources for college men to cope positively and gain the ability to navigate successfully in these arenas. In turn, this may lessen the development of hostile attitudes toward women and the rate of sexual assault on campuses.”

The research will be published on the website and in an upcoming edition of the Journal of College Student Development.