12 pt. Times new roman, double-spaced. no particular length as long as all the questions are answered.
Outline and explain Gambetta’s theory of the mafia. Clearly explain what he means by trust and protection–what does Gambetta mean when he argues that the mafia is a “specific enterprise”? What does it mean to “exaggerate and manipulate” the desirability of protection? How does one do this? Why do people rationally choose mafia protection? Why are some forced into it? How does it work?
Also, describe the American mafia. How does the American mafia violate the 10 commandments discovered in Sicily? (Trust and truth are important as is loyalty, but in actual practice do lower-level people lie to their bosses?)
Lastly, use this interview to describe the role of women in the mafia (I know of no scholarly source on this particular topic). What is their role? When did women start getting more involved in the mafia? What are some of the costs of mafia activity to the larger society (hint: sand). I have attached the link to the video and article in the pdf below.
