International Journal on Criminology Volume 7, Number 1, Winter 2019/2020 | Page 73

II. Mafias: The Quest for Power
International Journal on Criminology
The study of Mafias’ structural characteristics shows that they are by essence
in competition with Nation-States. Breaking down Gayraud’s definition,
and describing first their internal functioning, I will argue that Mafias are
rational actors with a thorough consideration for governmental power challenging
Nation-States’ sovereignty as defined in political theories of Statehood.
2.1. Portrait of a Mafia
Strictly speaking, no unique, dominant Mafia organizational structure with universal
applicability exists, as their functioning differs according to the social and
historical realities of the regions they are born in (Gayraud 2011). Nevertheless,
based on repentant’ testimonies and fieldwork, various experts have been able
to draw an archetypal Mafia model which originates in the Sicilian Cosa Nostra
(United State Justice Department 1967). The following section discusses the keys
to Mafias’ success: their effective command and control structures, their cohesiveness
and flexibility, and absolute faith in their leadership and codes.
2.1.1. Mafias’ Formal Structure
A Mafia is designed rationally with an integrated position intending to optimize
profit. It functions regardless of personnel change: no individual—not even the
leader—is indispensable. This hierarchical form is still current but unequally applies
to all types of Mafias. As an example, the Camorra or Ndrangheta have more
horizontal forms of the criminal network with certain autonomy of decision and
execution (Reski 2013). Yet, most Mafias have a top-down hierarchy in terms of
decision making.
Cosa Nostra’s central unit is the “Family,” also called cosca (artichoke heart).
It is called differently in other Mafias but functions similarly. Each cosca has its
own men of honor or initiated members. A Mafia unit comprises as many as 700
to as few as 20 initiated members. Each Family is headed by one man, the “boss,”
whose primary functions are to maintain order and to maximize profit. Subject
only to the possibility of being overruled by the Commission, the boss’ authority
in all matters relating to his family is absolute. Beneath each boss is an “underboss,”
the vice president of the family, who collects information for the boss, relays
messages to him and passes his instructions down to underlings. On the same
level as the underboss, but operating in a staff capacity, is the consigliere, an adviser
and manager. Hierarchically inferior are the caporegime (lieutenants), some
of whom serve as buffers between the top members of the family and the lower-echelon
personnel. To maintain their insulation from the police, leaders of the
hierarchy, and particularly Bosses, avoid direct communication with the workers;
therefore, all commands, information, grievances, and all money flows back and
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