Abstract
This study explored the link between sorority membership and rape-supportive attitudes and sexual victimization experiences. Data from a random sample of primarily white college women indicated that there were statistically significant differences between sorority women and nonsorority women on two of four rape-supportive attitudes (the acceptance of rape myths and the acceptance of interpersonal violence). Sorority women were also significantly more likely than nonsorority women to have been forced to have sexual intercourse because a partner either used physical force or threatened to use physical force. There was no significant difference between sorority women and nonsorority women in victimization through social, or nonviolent, coercion. However, sorority women had a significantly higher rate of nonconsensual intercourse while under the influence of alcohol or drugs.
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This research was supported in part by funds from the State University of New York, Plattsburgh. Thanks to Thomas Dietz for encouragement and comments, and to Nathalie Alenski for data entry.
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Kalof, L. Rape-supportive attitudes and sexual victimization experiences of sorority and nonsorority women. Sex Roles 29, 767–780 (1993). https://doi.org/10.1007/BF00289217
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DOI: https://doi.org/10.1007/BF00289217