The Facilitating and Enhancing Roles Greek Associations Play in College Drinking

Abstract

A quasi-longitudinal, retrospective survey was used to examine the relationship of Greek affiliation and intensity of drinking in college. Explanations of higher levels of drinking among Greeks usually revolve around subcultural support, differential association, and reference group behavior. That is, association with pro-drinking students in a drinking subculture increases the members' drinking level. In this study, students' high-schooling drinking patterns were used to partially explain the decision to join Greek groups in order to continue prior drinking habits. Greek affiliation was found to serve as both a facilitating and enhancing factor in collegiate alcohol use.

Key Words:

• Retrospective survey
• Greek affiliation
• College drinking
• Alcohol-related problems
• Freshman students