Mafia e potere: processi di legittimazione e costruzione del consenso

The paper analyses the interrelations which link the mafia groups to the political, economic and professional spheres. The Mafia can be considered as a criminal organization that has a special political power. It is capable of political action, which is understood not only as the exercise of power, but also as the quest for power. Mafia needs to have a constant connection with sectors of the ruling class to ensure its survival. Mafiosi are subjects who manage to create linking bridges among dissimilar networks; and in this way stimulate horizontal and vertical cooperation with and among diverse actors. They tend to establish strong ties with the inside and weak ties with the outside. Through their relational skills, Mafia groups increase their social capital, which they use to extend their webs or to weave new ones. This creates ties of active support and provides the necessary consensus for their reproduction. Without the cooperation of outside subjects, the Mafia network would not find the nodes to weave its design. This network is a cobweb without spider, that is very difficult to discover and to disintegrate. The relations of collusion and complicity, particularly the connections with the ruling class, give incentives and numerous advantages, provide selective benefits and stimulate obligations and reciprocal favours.