Deviance and Crime

DEVIANCE, CRIME, AND SOCIAL CONTROL

In the article "FRATERNITIES AND COLLEGIATE RAPE CULTURE" published in 1996, authors A. Ayres Boswell and Joan Z. Spade analyze the question, Why Are Some Fraternities More Dangerous Places for Women? Boswell and Spade also analyze the social context of the gendered relations in male fraternities that contribute to a high incidence of violence against women on many college campuses. They found that relations between women and men are shaped by the contexts in which they meet and interact. They observed several differences in the quality of the interaction of men and women at parties at a high-risk fraternities compared to those at low-risk houses. Those who have more authority and control define what is "normal" and what is deviant.

They're approach was to identify the social contexts that link fraternities to campus rape and promote a rape culture. With the research observed, they point out, "A typical party at a low-risk house included an equal number of women and men. The social atmosphere was friendly, with considerable interaction between women and men. Respect for woman extended to the women's bathrooms, which were clean and well supplied" (Boswell and Spade 218-219). On the other hand, they proceed to make clear, "At high-risk houses, parties typically had skewed gender ratios, sometimes involving more men and other times involving more women. Gender segregation also was evident at these parties, with the men on one side of the room or in the bar drinking while women gathered in another area. The women's bathrooms in the high-risk houses were filthy, including clogged toilets and vomit in the sinks" (Boswell and Spade 219). Therefore, an atmosphere that provides a place to sit, and maintains their music low allows men and women to conversate will most likely result in a rape-free environment because people will have no trouble engaging in an interesting conversation, either in a group or one-on-one. These examples connect to the ideas of deviance, crime and social control that we've covered in class.

This article reminds me of when I was in high school. Men who have sexual intercorse with many different girls usually get a pat on the back, while women who sleep around with many men get labeled as sluts. Most girls in my school had really bad reputations, everyone eventually ends up finding out who they "hook-up" with. Most guys like to brag, and by the time your know it, the whole school knows about it. I recall stories here and there about date rapes that occured over the weekend, usually when a girl wakes up the next morning, after a drunk night, and regrets the sexual intercorse she had the night before. Peer pressure and situational norms can influence women as well as men. I think it is important for students, especially women, to remain aware of college rape.