Chapter I PR2 W Chapter 3
Chapter I PR2 W Chapter 3
Chapter I PR2 W Chapter 3
INTRODUCTION
Several studies also had the understanding that fraternity membership can yield
positive impacts on academic performance. According to Cuseo (1990), it was suggested
that joining a fraternity can enrich the overall educational journey of students, cultivate a
sense of belonging and community, ultimately resulting in enhanced academic
achievements. Fraternity membership provides opportunities for networking with older
members and alumni who may offer academic advice and mentorship. Positive peer
influence within the fraternity can also motivate members to strive for academic
excellence (Gillen, 2006). Fraternities often provide academic support systems such as
study groups and tutoring services. These resources can help members improve their
academic performance by providing a supportive learning environment (DeSantis et al.,
2018). Being a member of a fraternity often requires balancing academic responsibilities
with fraternity activities and commitments. This can foster the development of effective
time management skills, which can positively impact academic performance (Park,
2015).
1. What are the common reasons why students choose to engage in fraternity
membership despite potential impacts on their academic performance?
2. What are the factors that contribute to academic success or failure among students
who are involved in fraternities?
3. What are the qualifications or requirements needed for fraternity membership?
4. What are the common practices and activities in fraternities?
Significance of The Study
This study will benefit the following:
Students, it can help them make informed decisions about joining fraternities and
understand the potential academic consequences. It may provide insights into time
management and the balance between social and academic commitments.
Teachers, they can gain a better understanding of factors that might affect
students' academic performance and adjust their teaching strategies accordingly. It could
lead to the identification of students who may need additional support academically.
School Principal can use the study's findings to implement policies or guidelines
regarding fraternity membership and its impact on the school environment. It may lead to
interventions to ensure a positive balance between extracurricular activities and
academics.
Parents, they can make more informed decisions about supporting their
children's involvement in fraternities and monitor their academic progress closely. It may
promote communication between parents and students about balancing social and
academic responsibilities.
Department of Social Welfare and Development, they can use the study's
insights to assess the social and psychological well-being of students involved in
fraternities and provide appropriate support or guidance.
Barangay Officials, they may consider the study's results when addressing
community concerns related to fraternities, such as safety and well-being.
Future Researcher , this study can be used as a reference and foundation for
future researchers interested in exploring the impact of fraternity membership on
academic performance of the students.
Related Literature
The first fraternity was founded on December 5, 1776, at the College of William
and Mary in Williamsburg, Virginia, by a group of students who created a secret society
they named Phi Beta Kappa, after the first letters of their Greek motto: "Love of wisdom,
the guide of life." Phi Beta Kappa first operated as a social organization for the first 50
years of its existence, and chapters were later founded at other universities such as
Harvard, Yale, and Dartmouth. After the 1820s anti-Masonic and anti-secret society
activism, it evolved into the academic honor society we know today. However, Phi Beta
Kappa established many of the traits that are regarded as "typical" of fraternities,
including the Greek-letter name, Greek motto, secrecy pledge, emblem, ritual, seal, and
secret grasp or handshake. (Undoubtedly, the Greek name and motto came from the fact
that all of these students had Greek as a required course of study.) Other organizations
that were founded shortly after closely resembled Phi Beta Kappa in most ways, and
fraternity chapters were established at many of our early colleges. 36 of the 63 men's
fraternities that are currently NIC members were established in the 19th century (Jones,
1976).
Fraternities in the Philippines trace their origins back to youth peer groups,
specifically among fraternity and sorority members at the University of Northern
Philippines in Vigan City, Ilocos Sur. These groups have official recognition and operate
within the university. The Tau Gamma Phi fraternity also held a significant role in
shaping the central male peer groups in the country, although its power and influence
have diminished over time. It's worth noting that delving into the contextual dynamics of
men's interactions during fraternity initiations can offer insights into the concept of
dominant masculinity. In essence, Philippine fraternities hold historical and cultural
importance, emerging from university environments and the aspirations of young men for
equality and recognition (Arce et al, 2012).
While many first-year college students have preconceived ideas about joining a
fraternity or sorority, others are undecided as they weigh the positive potential benefits
against the unfavorable preconceptions. Greek life has many benefits, including the
chance to make new friends, gain leadership experience, and build long-lasting
relationships while taking part in a variety of social activities and gatherings. However, it
entails enormous time obligations for social and charitable activities as well as significant
membership dues. Fraternities and sororities frequently discourage prospective members
due to hazing and alcohol-related problems, significantly complicating the decision-
making process (Epps, 2023).
Fraternities continue to be a popular option for many new students, and Greek life
has long been a component of the college experience. Fraternities, however, frequently
appear in the news when one or more of their members commit crimes. While it is
impossible to categorize or categorize all fraternities as undesirable, there are some
commonalities that have contributed to the unfavorable perception of fraternities (Tyler,
2017).
The purpose of this descriptive survey research design was to investigate the
variables influencing college students' involvement in fraternities and sororities. One
hundred and forty-eight (148) members of the seven (7) registered fraternities and
sororities at the Southern Philippines Agri-Business Marine and Aquatic School of
Technology (SPAMAST) completed the validated survey questionnaire created by the
researcher using the complete enumeration method. The findings demonstrate that the
four categories—peer, personal, school, and family—had an overall mean of 2.6, which
was deemed a moderate description and implies that students occasionally saw these
factors when participating in activities linked to fraternities and sororities. The results
also revealed a p-value of 0.0005, indicating a strong positive link between the level of
variables and the degree of student involvement in fraternities and sororities. According
to the results, it was advised that school administrators create programs or awareness
campaigns to spread information about the detrimental effects of students participating in
fraternities and sororities, and that parents keep an eye on their kids' social and academic
activities at school (Abello, 2022).
Among the reasons students join fraternities or sororities are social interactions,
community service, extracurricular activities, and peer relationships. Despite these
reasons, there are also disadvantages to Greek life that some students may find to be
detrimental to their college experience. Formal organizations like fraternities and
sororities exist to give their members a place to call home and a network of support. The
capacity of students to venture out and form relationships with other students may
occasionally be constrained by houses that are close-knit. This limits opportunities to
interact with a diverse set of people in less diverse fraternities or sororities.
Understanding the characteristics of the house and the social norms may assist you get
over this obstacle (Kokemuller, 2021).
A rigors application process may deter some, but it may actually motivate others,
for whom such an onerous task can strengthen the mystique of the fraternity, provide
bragging rights, and confirm their capacity to handle adversity — and life itself.
According to popular belief, students join frats for "connections," but many also have the
short-term goal of having a more interesting social life in college. Then there are
individuals who are impressed by the actions and causes of a fraternity. Most, I believe,
are motivated by a mix of these factors (Lasco, 2018).
People join fraternities for a variety of reasons. These include seeking acceptance
and a sense of belonging in a new environment, striving for academic excellence while
maintaining high standards, learning true values and personal growth, building their
resumes with leadership and experiences, fostering a strong sense of brotherhood and
camaraderie, gaining a sense of identity through association with a particular fraternity,
engaging in community service and philanthropy, maintaining postgraduate connections
and involvement, networking with a diverse group of individuals, creating lasting
memories, and enjoying social events and parties. Fraternities also provide leadership
opportunities, allowing members to develop essential skills and contribute to the
organization's success, regardless of their class or age (Benn, 2019).
Teenagers join fraternities for a variety of reasons, and frequently these reasons
are combined. First of all, a lot of people look for acceptance, especially freshmen trying
to settle into a new college setting. Second, some people are drawn to fraternity life by
the status it carries because they see it as a useful addition to their CV. Thirdly, because
they can be so important to the chapter's success, fraternities attract those looking for
leadership opportunities. Fourthly, some people decide to join because their friends are,
out of a desire to not be left out. The presence of women enhances rush events; thus,
meeting girls is a further incentive for some. Lastly, parties can be a draw, but it's crucial
to ensure members are interested in participating in all aspects of fraternity life beyond
just social gatherings for a well-rounded and strong brotherhood (Hagerty, 2010).
FRATERNITY
MEMBERSHIP
ACADEMIC FRATERNITY
ASSISTANCE CULTURE
ACADEMIC
PERFORMANCE
FIGURE 1
This diagram is based on IV-DV model considering its Intervening Variables. This
study will explore the relationship between academic performance and fraternity
membership.
Moreover, the intervening variables is the factors they may get from fraternity
membership, which will serve to investigate its impact to their academic performance,
either a positive or a negative effects.
Theoretical Framework
These theories are relevant in exploring how overall high school meaningful
experiences and possibly fraternity engagement, affect the students’ performance in
academic environment. Additionally, the study will examine whether fraternity
engagement will provide an academic assistance or if the culture of a fraternity will
negatively influence or discourages the student’s academic success.
Some researchers and scholars in the field of higher education have recognized
the relevance between fraternity engagement and academic outcomes. They draw upon
Astin’s core principles, such as the significance of personal growth, the value of
involvement beyond the classroom, and the idea that involvement should be balanced
with academic responsibilities.
Tinto's theory doesn't specifically address the fraternity engagement. His theories
on student integration, social relationships, and academic success can be applied to
understanding how fraternity involvement might affect academic performance indirectly
through its influence on a student's overall experience.
By integrating these theories, the research study can explore the relationship
between academic performance and fraternity membership, considering factors such as
social integration, academic engagement, and academic motivation. This comprehensive
framework can provide a basis for examining the complex dynamics between these
variables and their impact on students' academic performance within the context of
fraternity membership.
Definition of Terms
Sorority- a society for female students in a university or college, typically for social
purposes.
Sisterhood- is the affection and loyalty that women feel for other women who they have
something in common with.
Greek Organization- provide academic support and help young college students develop
social and leadership skills.
The Sample
This chapter examines the sample used for the study on the impact of students'
fraternity membership on their academic performance, which was conducted in Brgy.
Bontoc, Hindang, Leyte. The study focused on Senior High School students and utilized
the entire population for this group, wherein 30% of Senior High School students were
selected as fraternity members. The sampling technique employed was simple random
sampling, ensuring that each student had an equal chance of being included in the sample.
Data collection occurred during the second semester of the school year 2023-2024.
The Instrument
The study used a standardized questionnaire to gather data on the relationship
between academic performance and students' fraternity involvement.