Gang members are exposed to unique sexual risks, yet little work has explored the influence of gang social norms. This study examines the functions and meanings of sex within gangs, with a specific focus on the ways in which sex is used to reinforce gang membership and norms, gender roles, and group cohesion. We conducted 58 semi-structured interviews with adolescent members of six gangs. Data were analyzed using thematic content analysis and constant comparative method in MAXQDA. Sexual risk behaviors within gangs are upheld and reinforced through unspoken norms and expectations. These high-risk sexual practices increase group cohesion and reinforce gender norms and power differences. Despite the prevalence of such practices, many gang members felt regret and remorse over their participation but noted it was just part of “the life.” Our findings highlight the need for interventions to address the norms of the gang that reinforce sexual risk behavior.

中文翻译：

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“跑火车”和“性行为”：青少年帮派中性的功能

帮派成员面临独特的性风险，但很少有研究探讨帮派社会规范的影响。本研究探讨了性在帮派中的功能和意义，特别关注如何利用性来加强帮派成员身份和规范、性别角色和群体凝聚力。我们对六个帮派的青少年成员进行了 58 次半结构化访谈。使用 MAXQDA 中的主题内容分析和恒定比较方法对数据进行分析。帮派内部的性危险行为通过不言而喻的规范和期望得到维护和强化。这些高风险的性行为增强了群体凝聚力，强化了性别规范和权力差异。尽管这种做法很普遍，但许多帮派成员对自己的参与感到遗憾和悔恨，但指出这只是“生活”的一部分。我们的研究结果强调需要采取干预措施来解决该团伙强化性危险行为的规范。