Nonbinary/Trans on Greek Row: What is the Future of Gendered Boundaries in Greek Organizations?

• In Event: Sociology of Sex and Gender Section Roundtables
  In Refereed Roundtable (60 minute): Table 3. Queer, Trans, and Nonbinary Lives Across the Life Course

Abstract

Greek organizations are inherently gendered organizations: sororities for women, fraternities for men. Their high status on campus comes from their exclusivity on the basis of class, race, and gender. However, they also provide significant benefits and meaning for their members. Could these organizations ever be places of joy and inclusion for nonbinary and trans students? This study uses three sources of data to explore this question. First, we analyze the membership eligibility criteria of four sororities, based on official bylaws and email communications between national representatives and a university staff member. We additionally use these documents to analyze the power hierarchies involved in sorority membership. Second, we analyze a case study of a nonbinary student who successfully joined a Panhellenic sorority but later had their membership voided. Third, we analyze interview and survey responses of students in Greek life to understand who current students think should be eligible for membership, based on their sex and gender. We find opportunities and constraints for gender diverse students in Greek life. Currently, few sororities explicitly define how gender diverse students fit into their organizations, leaving opportunities for socially-connected individuals to join–like our case study. However, significant cultural and organizational challenges constrain the ability of gender diverse students to join including: cultural bias against gender diverse students, organizational constraints at the local and national level, the power relationships between sororities and high-status men’s organizations, and the organizational logics underpinning Greek life as “single-sex” organizations. While full inclusion of gender diverse students is possible in Greek life, more likely will be futures that continue to allow token gender diverse students in who do not disrupt the organizational culture. Equally possible is a future in which these organizations move toward full exclusion, as any recognition of gender diversity could undermine the binary sex-based Greek structures.

Authors

• Alanna Gillis, St. Lawrence University

• Fabian Guzman

• Grace Ward