Women of Discriminating Taste examines the role of historically white sororities in the shaping of white womanhood in the twentieth century. As national women’s organizations, sororities have long held power on college campuses and in American life. Yet the groups also have always been conservative in nature and inherently discriminatory, selecting new members on the basis of social class, religion, race, or physical attractiveness. By revealing national sororities as significant players in the grassroots conservative movement of the twentieth century, Freeman illuminates the history of contemporary sororities’ difficult campus relationships and their continuing legacy of discriminatory behavior and conservative rhetoric.

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 Lucy’s take: I can attest that this book served as my bible and main scholarly source for understanding the context behind historically white sororities. Women of Discriminating Taste is an essential resource for those seeking to comprehend the world of historically white sororities.

Terror, Love, and Brainwashing by Alexandra Stein

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This book explains how people can be radically manipulated by extreme groups and leaders to engage in incomprehensible and often dangerous acts through psychologically isolating situations of extreme social influence. These methods are used in totalitarian states, terrorist groups and cults, as well as in controlling personal relationships.

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Lucy’s take:  Do you find yourself questioning the similarities between your sorority or fraternity and the dynamics found in cults? Are you trying to grasp the psychology behind the difficulty of leaving such environments? Or perhaps you're struggling to comprehend the inner workings of a friend's abusive relationship? If any of these questions resonate with you, it’s time to read Terror, Love, and Brainwashing. 

Slut the Play & Guidebook by  Katie Cappiello & Meg McInerney 

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When a sixteen-year-old Joey is sexually assaulted by three friends, her life is thrown into upheaval after she comes forward and realizes the extent of society’s deeply-rooted sexual double standards and rape culture. This groundbreaking play and guidebook, written in collaboration with New York City high school students, offers communities and individuals concrete tools to inspire change and disrupt rape culture.

Lucy’s take:  During my sophomore year of high school, I had the opportunity to see Slut The Play, which left a profound impact on me and allowed me to grasp the concept of slut shaming with clarity. Thanks to this play, I gained the confidence and understanding necessary to confront and challenge my sorority sisters when they slut-shamed me for my beach picture.

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