Editorial [The Drinking Culture of Fraternity and Sorority Members]

Fraternities (men) and sororities (women) are (most commonly) single-sex organizations which unite students at University. In U.S.A., fraternities and sororities are called the “Greek System”, because the names of most chapters are often composed of Greek letter combinations (e.g., Alpha Phi). Besides organizing various academic and social gatherings and activities, they are known for partying. Alcohol use plays a central role at fraternities and sororities. There are few events or membership rituals which are not associated with alcohol use and/or abuse. Selection and socialization are two factors that may explain heavy alcohol use in the Greek System [1-3]. Those who are heavy drinkers at high school are more likely to join fraternities (i.e. selection), because they feel attracted to the drinking culture. On the other hand, students that join the Greek System enter an environment in which alcohol abuse is acceptable and normative. As a result, they increase their own alcohol consumption towards that of their peers (i.e. socialization).