Inside Greek U.: Fraternities, Sororities, and the Pursuit of Pleasure, Power, and Prestige
"This book is unique, provocative, and troubling, and it will stimulate quite a bit of conversation. It is a snapshot of four important years in the lives of those who may one day become the business, political, and legal leaders of our nation." -- Cindy Griffin, author of Feminist Rhetorical Theories"The strengths of this work lie in the careful presentation of the students' words, actions, and feelings, as well as the link DeSantis makes to the sheer presence of Greeks in today's business, political, and legal systems." -- Cindy Griffin, author of Invitation to Public Speaking"This book provides a vivid description of gender templates for identity and associated behavior in the Greek System of a University." -- Peggy Reeves Sanday, author of Fraternity Gang Rape: Sex, Brotherhood, and Privi"Alan DeSantis has uncovered behavior that adds to the growing evidence of troubling flaws in the American understanding of masculinity and the concomitant injustices associated with the performance of masculinity/femininity in elitist fraternity/sorority settings." -- Peggy Reeves Sanday, author of Fraternity Gang Rape: Sex, Brotherhood, and Privi"No other book treats the Greek system as fully as Inside Greek U. It is at once critical and sympathetic, showing an unparalleled understanding of perspectives of the young men and women in the Greek system." -- Scott F. Kiesling, co-editor of Intercultural Discourse and Communication: The E""[DeSantis'] book is... a clear and mostly readable overview that winds up with surprising conclusion that fraternities and sororities aren't so bad after all."" -- New York Times"Many books on the subject tend to fall into sensational, expose` territory, but DeSantis' takes a more thoughtful, academically critical view, examining how gender roles and behaviors in particular affect and influence young men and women. It provides practical suggestions at all levels of academia to improve Greek organizations and minimize the harm they cause. A system that weilds this much power needs greater scrutiny and understanding, and DeSantis is qualified to provide it -- he possesses an insider's knowledge and access, and as an academic, he understands how the messages cultivated and promoted by the Greek system filter into society at large, and how our culture internalizes and reinforces those messages." -- Candice Jackson, Lexington Herald-Leader""Always respectful of his participants, DeSantis produces a sympathetic work that seeks to help future members of Greek organizations to critique and avoid the often harmful gender ideals that fraternities and sororities can perpetuate. This book should be required reading for college students thinking about pledging a fraternity or a sorority."" -- Library Journal""DeSantis draws upon his 25 years of experience with Greeks and argues that reforming fraternities and sororities is both possible and necessary. He delivers and account guaranteed to raise eyebrows and spark conversations in fraternity and sorority houses, as well as administration buildings across the country."" -- Kentucky Alumni"The book was a good read. Those not familiar with Greek life or the issues presented may find the book helpful." -- David S. Williams II, Journal of College Student Development"This is powerful information, and for lawyers who interface with the Greek system, either as university counsel or as an attorney prosecuting or defending a particular house or member, DeSantis's book is sure to become "must reading." But even those not so employed will find it engaging and though provoking." -- Robert M. Jarvis, Journal of Law and Education