Final answer:
Fraternities maintain secrecy derived from ancient initiation rites and the belief that some knowledge should be kept from the masses, creating a sense of exclusivity and cohesion. However, this secrecy sometimes results in negative consequences, such as environments that can foster sexual assault on college campuses.
Step-by-step explanation:
Fraternities often maintain secrecy for a variety of historical and cultural reasons. Initially, fraternities evolved out of ancient rites of tribal initiation which were highly secret by nature. This element of secrecy was a distinguishing factor. Philosophers like Varro suggested that there are certain truths not suitable for the mass population, thereby advocating for the secrecy seen in the Eleusinian Mysteries which provided a foundational model fraternity culture, and comparable societies such as the Masonic order. In modern times, issues like sexual assault on college campuses have shown a dark side of fraternity secrecy, where such practices can enable environments of privilege that lead to aggressive behaviors against women.
Beyond cultural traditions, fraternities maintain secrecy to create a sense of exclusivity and cohesion among members. It forms a bond within the group and sets it apart from others, which can be advantageous when a fraternity wishes to influence or pressure toward a specific goal. Secrecy can, thereby, allow fraternities to function with a single vision or objective without external influences or scrutiny.