Le code sexuel d’un slum

Abstract

Men in the slums behave in terms of an elaborate and binding sex code. Women are classified into “good girls” (virgins) and three categories of nonvirgins. For each category there is an appropriate form of behavior supported by social sanctions. Social and familial ties within the community also determine sex behavior. The limitations the code places upon social activity within the slum tend to push young men and women toward outside contacts and thus promote assimilation and social mobility.

Keywords

• Italy
• United States
• gang
• sexual category
• gender relations