NCJ Number
101279
Date Published
1986
Length
21 pages
Annotation
This chapter discusses the origin of Mafia in Sicily, career stations of the mafiosi, the structure of Mafia groupings, Mafia functions, the Mafia myth, and the Mafia's use of repressive crime.
Abstract
Mafia in Sicily originated with persons who used intimidation and violence to obtain agricultural estates after the demise of the feudal system. The peasants learned that the landlords and their employees would use violence to execute their will, regardless of law and the weak attempts of the government to govern the landlords. Stations in the career of a mafioso consist of the use of violence to control situations, evasion from prosecution, acceptance by established Mafia leaders, and acceptance by the public as a mafioso. The few who become Mafia leaders establish themselves through the defeat of competitors and government attempts to obstruct Mafia operations. The structure of Mafia groupings involves the division of labor, rules for members' activities, and a design for achieving objectives. Functions include the mediation of community disputes and the use of repression to maintain Mafia interests and power. The image of the Mafia as an international super-government is a myth. 68 references.