Influences of Fraternity Membership, Athletics, and Male Living Arrangements on Sexual Aggression

Abstract

Fraternal membership, intercollegiate athletic participation, and sex composition of living arrangements were investigated as possible correlates of sexual coercion. Four hundred seventy-seven male undergraduates enrolled in a large southeastern university were surveyed in classroom settings regarding their experiences with sexual aggression and coercion, as well as their self-reported rape proclivity. Fraternity members displayed significantly more use of intoxicants in obtaining sex, and also more use of nonphysical verbal coercion, but no greater use of physical force, than independents (nonfraternity members). Athletes displayed greater rape proclivity, but no greater coercive/aggressive sexual behavior. Sex composition of living arrangements had no significant effect on rape proclivity or sexual victimization. The results are discussed in light of other recent evidence indicting fraternities for their sexual conduct.