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Based on extensive research at twelve different schools and analyzing at least twenty national fraternities, The Company He Keeps explores the formation of what Syrett calls "fraternal masculinity." He describes how men have gained prestige and respect, especially from other men, by being masculine. Many factors—such as class, religiosity, race, sexuality, athleticism, intelligence, and recklessness—have contributed to particular versions of fraternal masculinity at different times. Whatever the criteria, Syrett demonstrates the ways that fraternity brothers' masculinity has had consequences for other students on campus as well, not just through exclusion from the organizations themselves but often from college life more broadly. He argues that fraternity men have often proved their masculinity by using their classmates as foils.
Syrett also investigates the culture of sexual exploitation that had made its home in college fraternities by the early twentieth century. He offers explanations for the origins of this phenomenon and why it persists. He also recounts the hidden history of gay men who have made their home in college fraternities since the early twentieth century.
Readers will find in The Company He Keeps not only an engaging history of white college fraternities, but also an insightful account of the evolution of a much more widespread culture of youthful and sexually aggressive masculinity.