A Positive Spin on a Negative Narrative: How the Media Portrays Fraternities and What Fraternities Can Do About It

Authors

Zachary Taylor, University of Texas at Austin
Jennifer Zamora, University of Texas at Austin
Arianne McArdle, University of Texas at Austin
Mario Villa, University of Texas at Austin

Publication Date

June 2018

DOI

https://doi.org/10.25774/vdzg-nq30

First Page

51

Last Page

68

Abstract

As research on fraternity men largely focuses on misbehavior and criminal activity, no research examines the types of stories reported on by media outlets and whether these stories include fraternity voices or statements. Employing quantitative content analysis, this study examines 100 fraternity-related stories published by the ten newspaper websites most frequently visited by people in the United States. Findings suggest 12% of fraternity-related publications are positive in nature and tone, 36% of publications include official fraternity-issued statements, and 69% of all publications include official university-issued statements. Implications for practitioners and future research is addressed.

Recommended Citation

Taylor, Zachary; Zamora, Jennifer; McArdle, Arianne; and Villa, Mario (2018) "A Positive Spin on a Negative Narrative: How the Media Portrays Fraternities and What Fraternities Can Do About It," Journal of Sorority and Fraternity Life Research and Practice: Vol. 13: Iss. 1, Article 6.
DOI: https://doi.org/10.25774/vdzg-nq30
Available at: https://scholarworks.wm.edu/oracle/vol13/iss1/6