subject: Student Unions: University and College Fraternities [print this page] Student Unions: University and College Fraternities
With student unions being a voluntary formation of students within educational institutions, it can be stated that there are many other forms of organizations that can be applied to such definition. One of those forms is student fraternities, a type of brotherhood mostly developed in the United States. Having slightly different purposes than other forms of student unions, fraternities, nevertheless, take an active role in students' life during the education period and sometimes even after that education is completed. In that regard, this article provides an overview of the concept of fraternities as well as their role in students' life. Overview The main perception of student fraternities is mainly based on popular movies, representing the members of such fraternities forcing new members to perform various tasks to join a particular fraternity. Omitting various exaggerations, it can be stated that such depictions are mostly true. The tasks required to join fraternities are mostly based on silly rituals that humiliate students, and despite the fact that such rituals are officially prohibited they are still performed. The main purpose of fraternities is in providing support to its members. Although fraternities might not have an official status within the administration of the educational institution, their impact is mostly directed toward their members. Fraternities' Role The role of fraternities can be seen in the support that their members provide to each other during and after the period of education. Such support can be reflected in various aspects, the most prominent evidence of which is the fact the majority of business and political elite in the United States were members of fraternities. Thus, after college, the support might be provided through helping with employment, business partnership, and financial aid. Such fact, of course, is not a general rule, but nevertheless, fraternities are important social and organizational phenomena, which influence the life of students.
