Citation

Boeringer SB. Violence Against Women 1996; 2(2): 134-147.

Copyright

(Copyright © 1996, SAGE Publishing)

DOI

unavailable

PMID

12295455

Abstract

This study investigates the association of fraternity membership, athletic participation, and sex composition of living arrangements on sexual coercion. 477 male undergraduates enrolled in Southeastern University were surveyed in classroom settings regarding their experiences with sexual aggression and coercion, as well as their self-reported rape proclivity. From the total sample, 114 (23.9%) reported fraternity membership and about 77 (16.2%) reported intercollegiate athletic participation. The majority of men lived in all-male environments such as all-male floors of dorm towers, apartments, and fraternity houses. The overall age distribution of the sample was concentrated towards younger men, with 18-19 year olds making up 61% of the sample. The results of the study indicated that fraternity members were disproportionately involved in some forms of campus sexual aggression. Although use of physical force or threats were not very prevalent among members, alcohol and drug intoxication played a significant role in obtaining sex. On the other hand, athletes displayed greater rape proclivity, but no greater coercive/aggressive sexual behavior. Also, sex composition of living arrangements has no significant effect on rape proclivity or sexual victimization.

Language: en