I don't think people really do it to buy friends. However, some students have had experiences that tend to change their minds on this point of view. Rachel Venable, a sophomore at WSU, joined a sorority on campus and after a semester left. While these organizations encourage a healthy social life, there is much more involved in them. They are about sisterhood and brotherhood.
Members are heavily involved in community service.
They must keep a certain grade point average. These organizations also sponsor various functions such as formal dances. It's a home away from home. Some people may join to buy friends and get ahead, but the organization itself is there for a greater purpose. It teaches members to rely on each other and to help each other.