Who really benefits at freshmen orientation camps : a study into the enforcement of heteronormativity in universities

Abstract

This study seeks to examine Freshmen Orientation Camps (FOCs) in relation to the wider heteronormative framework and pressures that force students to “perform” their genders in a conformative manner. By engaging in semi-structured in-depth interviews with various individuals who have participated in FOCs before, the research uncovers the underlying framework that privileges masculinity and the male gender over femininity and the female gender. Results suggest that most participants merely follow through with activities that bring them embarassment and discomfort just to conform with the wider peer culture. Ultimately, the implications are that female and non-heterosexual identifying male students would greatly prefer if such activities gave a concrete option for them to back out without having to undergo any stigma.