It’s that time of year again, when newly-accepted fraternity and sorority members experience their first taste of what it’s like to be part of the Northwestern PHA and IFC community. Some of these eager new members can be seen around campus wearing hats with big Greek letters and walking with new friends in their pledge class. At night, some chapters hold initiation events or themed parties celebrating their new members. This all seems fun from the outside. But some aspects of membership aren’t always discussed publicly, such as the group pressure new and active members alike may feel from their chapters. It’s important that students remember and stick to their values in the face of pressure to conform, especially those transitioning into Greek life.

Many college students face social pressure, but the community setting inherent to PHA and IFC organizations can feel even more intimidating. Members may feel pressure to imitate older members’ actions in order to fit in. This social influence and the desire to make new friends is a powerful force that may cause new members to defy their own core beliefs.

Social pressure is particularly evident concerning alcohol and drugs. While NU enforces a zero tolerance rule against hazing, members may feel like outsiders if they do not participate in these activities. It may seem like drinking is the only way to bond with new friends in a sorority or fraternity. But authentic relationships are usually not created when people are under the influence. Moreover, it’s vital for active members to create an accepting and inclusive environment for those members who choose not to drink.

Equally difficult to avoid is the social pressure around hookup culture in Greek life. Sexual promiscuity is often glorified in fraternity or sorority settings, and members may feel pressured to act in ways that contradicts their moral values or personal desires. Considering the increased awareness and conversation about sexual assault on our campus and around the country, it is essential that members encourage safety, personal choice and healthy sexual relationships. Increasing conversations about bystander intervention and consent can help solidify a chapter’s commitment to honoring all members’ decisions regarding their bodies.

PHA sororities particularly create pressure to conform to a certain body ideal. Encouraging friends to live a healthy lifestyle can be beneficial, but normalizing the desire to be “skinny” or “fit” can harm members’ physical and emotional health. Many members may feel like they don’t fit into their sorority or fraternity if they don’t look a certain way physically. This may lead to body dysmorphia, eating disorders or general low self-esteem. It’s crucial that older members reinforce acceptance of all shapes and sizes and foster an environment that celebrates diverse body types.

It’s important that new IFC and PHA members stay true to their values, whether about drinking, sex or body image. It is also active members’ responsibility to refrain from peer pressuring new members, even unintentionally. PHA and IFC organizations are meant to be an encouraging, supportive environment where fellow members push each other to achieve goals in a respectful manner. New members should reinforce the main purpose of joining these organizations: establishing a sisterhood or brotherhood on campus and creating strong bonds between fellow students.

Alana Farkas is a Weinberg sophomore. She can be contacted [email protected]. If you would like to respond publicly to this column, send a Letter to the Editor to [email protected].
The views expressed in this piece do not necessarily reflect the views of all staff members of The Daily Northwestern.