Sorority Rituals - Reflections On Rites of ... - Mari Ann Callais

of literature is information to clarify how sororities evolved and to explain the role of rituals in
sororities.
Another component of this study is the period of adolescence and the process of
development from adolescence to adulthood, involving multiple dimensions. This is important to
consider due to the nature of sororities and the time frame in which most young women become a
part of these groups. Although some campuses may have seen a slight increase in non-traditional
students becoming involved in extracurricular activities, sorority women, in most cases, continue
to be between the ages of 18-22. Women’s development will be addressed in chapter three of this
study.
Contribution of the Study to the Body of Research
Throughout my research, I found that while scholars and practitioners have investigated
hazing (Nuwer, 1999), alcohol use, peer pressure, and psychosocial development (Pascarella,
Edison, Whitt, Nora, Hagedorn & Terenzini, 1996) as they relate to sorority culture, but none
have investigated the relationship between sorority ritual and individuals’ values and behaviors.
Are these organizations and their members simply “going through the motions?” Do those
participating in ritual ceremonies believe that ritual can be applicable in their daily lives as
contemporary women? What is the relationship of ritual and how is it developed through these
organizations? If those working with sororities, whether student affairs professionals, sorority
national staff, or volunteer national officers and advisors, are going to make purposeful changes
to the sorority experience as a whole, they must clearly understand the impact that the
undergraduate sorority experience has on these women. The intent of this study has been to
provide information that will begin to establish a better understanding of how sorority rituals can
be utilized today and beyond.
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