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Unearthing the nexus: latifundia, earthquakes, and the emergence of the Sicilian Mafia

Author

Listed:
  • Michele Battisti

    (University of Palermo)

  • Giovanni Bernardo

    (University of Naples “Federico II”)

  • Andros Kourtellos

    (University of Cyprus)

  • Andrea Mario Lavezzi

    (University of Palermo)

Abstract

This paper explores the historical origins of the Mafia and its roots in the Sicilian latifundia. By employing earthquake intensity as an instrumental variable to tackle endogeneity concerns, our study reveals a significant relationship between the presence of the Mafia during its initial historical appearances in the second half of the 19th century and the characteristics of latifundia. Latifundia, distinguished by large landowners and extensive agriculture, including the rotation of single-crop, pasture, and fallow lands, is found to be closely linked to this heightened Mafia presence. Moreover, our analysis rules out contemporary socio-economic factors by considering a set of control variables such as agricultural proxies. These findings highlight a persistent historical pattern of inequality, proxied by the spread of latifundia, underscoring the enduring influence of the medieval feudal system, transformed into latifundia, on social dynamics. Our findings suggest that policies aimed at reducing the concentration of land ownership and promoting land reform could effectively have curbed the emergence of organized crime in areas with a history of comparatively higher land ownership inequality.

Suggested Citation

  • Michele Battisti & Giovanni Bernardo & Andros Kourtellos & Andrea Mario Lavezzi, 2025. "Unearthing the nexus: latifundia, earthquakes, and the emergence of the Sicilian Mafia," Economics of Governance, Springer, vol. 26(1), pages 57-91, March.
    • Handle: RePEc:spr:ecogov:v:26:y:2025:i:1:d:10.1007_s10101-024-00323-x
    DOI: 10.1007/s10101-024-00323-x
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    More about this item

    Keywords

    Organized crime; Mafia; Land inequality;
    All these keywords.

    JEL classification:

    • K42 - Law and Economics - - Legal Procedure, the Legal System, and Illegal Behavior - - - Illegal Behavior and the Enforcement of Law
    • H11 - Public Economics - - Structure and Scope of Government - - - Structure and Scope of Government
    • H75 - Public Economics - - State and Local Government; Intergovernmental Relations - - - State and Local Government: Health, Education, and Welfare

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