Perceptions of violence and aggression among male members of Greek-lettered organization in the University of the Philippines Manila

Abstract

This study aimed to determine the perceptions of violence and aggression of members of Greek-affiliated male organizations at the University of the Philippines Manila. The study spanned across respondent membership from the Alpha Sigma (ΑΣ), Sigma Kappa Pi (ΣΚΠ), Alpha Phi Omega (ΑΠΩ), Tau Omega Mu (ΤΩΜ) and Upsilon Sigma Phi (ΥΣΠ) fraternities. Using convenience sampling, a total of 20 respondents participated in this study. The data-collection tool gathered respondents" demographic profile, personal views on organizational aggression and violence, as well as violence-related attitudes, behaviors, and influences. The results of the data were triangulated with supplemental interviews to strengthen qualitative results of the study. The results showed that fraternity members have a deep and complex way of defining and scoping violence and aggression. Using phenomenological reduction, the theme responses showed a multitude of view on what constitutes violent acts with highly specific definitions and a complex categorizing scheme that took into account the parties involved, the opportunity for retaliation, and degree of violence. Furthermore, results showed that the respondents had a favorable attitude towards non-violent response to situations of conflict. Respondent fraternities also show responses ranging from average to very high in knowledge and skill in non-violent conflict resolution and violence orientation. Perceptions of violence seemed to be merely reactionary and that respondents will resort to non-violent alternatives when possible even if they define a multitude of factors as possible points of violence or aggression. In conclusion, Greek-lettered organizations have a complex definition and understanding of violence and aggression; however, they hold an overall non-violent stand.