A recent study investigates the historical connections between the Sicilian mafia and organized crime in the United States. Researchers, including Zachary Porreca, Paolo Pinotti, and Massimo Anelli, analyze the migration patterns of mafiosi who left Sicily in the 1920s due to repression under Cesare Mori, known as the “Iron Prefect.” Their findings reveal how these expelled individuals contributed to the establishment of the American mafia, specifically the La Cosa Nostra (LCN).
The research draws on historical U.S. administrative records and FBI reports, highlighting that many of the future leaders of the mafia in America originated from Sicilian neighborhoods that had previously hosted immigrant communities. These communities consisted of individuals from the 32 Sicilian municipalities targeted by anti-mafia raids during the Fascist regime. The study shows that mafia activity remains significantly concentrated in these same neighborhoods, suggesting a persistent influence of the original Sicilian mafia.
Socio-Economic Consequences of Organized Crime
The paper further examines the socio-economic effects of organized crime on these communities. In the short term, areas with a strong mafia presence witnessed increased violence, heightened incarceration rates, and discriminatory practices such as redlining, which limited access to formal financial services. These immediate impacts contributed to a cycle of crime and economic disadvantage, shaping public perception of organized crime as solely detrimental.
However, the researchers also found that over the long term, neighborhoods with a historical connection to mafia activity displayed unexpected trends of higher education levels, increased employment opportunities, and notable social mobility. This aspect challenges the prevailing narratives that associate organized crime exclusively with negative outcomes.
The study offers valuable insights into the complexities of criminal organizations and their broader economic and social implications. By analyzing the historical roots of the mafia in the U.S., the research contributes to ongoing debates about the persistence of such organizations and their influence on American society.
This research sheds light on a multifaceted topic, providing a nuanced understanding of how organized crime has evolved and affected communities over time. The findings may provoke further discussion regarding the interplay between immigration, crime, and socio-economic development in the United States. The full abstract of the paper by Porreca, Pinotti, and Anelli is available online.
