Let's Play a LoveGame: How college hookup culture came to be, how it functions on a university campus, and the Greek organizations that perpetuate it at Butler University

Author

• Ella Gray Tucker

Date of Award

5-2026

Degree Type

Thesis

Degree Name

Honors Thesis

Department

History

First Advisor

Molly Nebiolo

Second Advisor

Julie Searcy

Abstract

“Let’s Play a LoveGame” examines how hookup culture functions, is perpetuated, and impacts students on a college campus. By understanding the historical context of its creation, I analyze the multitude of factors that aided it to evolve into what it is today. Although hookup culture is considered part of the undergraduate “college experience”, it is negatively impacting students' mental well-being and their understanding of romantic relationships. With Butler University as my case study, I have come to find that Greek Organizations within the National Panhellenic Conference and Interfraternity Council hold events that enable hookup culture to permeate Greek row which ultimately leads to emotional distress and a disoriented view of relationships.

Recommended Citation

Tucker, Ella Gray, "Let's Play a LoveGame: How college hookup culture came to be, how it functions on a university campus, and the Greek organizations that perpetuate it at Butler University" (2026). Undergraduate Honors Thesis Collection. 837.
https://digitalcommons.butler.edu/ugtheses/837