Final answer:
A sorority is a social organization for women in colleges, equivalent to a fraternity for males. Sororities play a vital role in college life but have also faced issues such as sexual assault, prompting universities to develop preventative and supportive measures for students.
Step-by-step explanation:
The body composed of women's social fraternities is often referred to as a sorority. Sororities are student organizations in colleges that bring together young women in a sisterhood to engage in academic, philanthropic, and social activities. The term 'sorority' itself was coined to denote the female counterpart to fraternities, which originally referred to male student societies. These organizations are part of a larger community known as Greek life, which is historical for its social gatherings, philanthropic work, and communal living environments.
Women's fraternities and sororities offer a sense of community and opportunities for leadership and personal development. However, it's critical to acknowledge the challenges faced within these societies, including the prevalence of sexual assault on college campuses. Researchers like Peggy Reeves Sanday have investigated the dynamics in fraternity culture that can contribute to aggression against women. It's important for universities to address these issues by providing consent awareness training and support for survivors of sexual assault.
Many universities have also established support programs and developed measures aimed at preventing sexual violence, in response to the recognition of these problems within the Greek life community. Within the structure of the college sorority, there are organizations such as the National Pan-Hellenic Council, which includes sororities like Alpha Kappa Alpha Inc. that have made significant contributions to society through their notable members and advocacy work.