Gambetta (sociology, Oxford) sets forth a new perspective on the Mafia, discarding the popular impression that it is a criminal community secretly controlled through a centralized structure. Gambetta constructs a theoretical framework, supported by evidence obtained from the mafiosi trials of the 1980s in Italy, that aims to clarify the Mafia's actual economic role. Unlike previous observers, Gambetta describes the Mafia as a ``commercial identity'' that supplies ``private protection.'' He further characterizes it as ``a particular trademark of the protection industry,'' comparing it with the automobile, insurance, and advertising industries. Drawing on history, geography, and social circumstances, Gambetta is able to rationalize the Mafia's role with surprising success. This work will benefit students, academics, and other informed readers wanting an intellectual understanding of the Mafia.-- Ali D. Abdulla, East Carolina Univ . , Greenville, N . C.
Draws on economic analysis and on the confessions of eight Mafiosi and the trials their revelations triggered to reshape traditional interpretations of the Mafia's origins, functions, and social consequences. Translated from the Italian original (publication date not stated). Annotation c. Book News, Inc., Portland, OR (booknews.com)
A remarkable theoretical achievement. Starting from what is apparently a most unpromising premise, that the workings of the Mafia can be understood within a rational choice framework, Gambetta repeatedly surprises us with his theoretical ingenuity… In a brief review, one cannot do justice to the complexity of the arguments in a book like Gambetta’s. Let it suffice to say I could not put it down and I estimate it will become a classic in the burgeoning literature upon the rational choice approach to sociological analysis.
British Journal of Sociology - Peter Abell
This is a fascinating book. It provides a wealth of information about an organization which, despite its repellent nature, understandably continues to intrigue many people. And the narrative, based, as much of it is, on the testimony of various ex mafiosi who have turned state's evidence, possesses a compelling immediacy. As a work of history, it is first-rate.
Journal of Economics - Larry J. Sechrest
Diego Gambetta’s analysis of the Sicilian Mafia is likely to become a classic. It uses a dazzling combination of economic theory and sociological insight to make sense of a significant but mysterious social institution.
Journal of Economic Literature - Robert Sugden
A carefully argued and well written interpretation of the Sicilian Mafia which should be required reading for every student of criminology.
British Journal of Criminology - David Nelken
The Sicilian Mafia goes far beyond the promise of the title. It represents an important and arguably enduring contribution to both sociological and economic theory. Gambetta’s book shows the fruitfulness of a rigorous economic analysis applied with consistency and it is, in spite of the ominous subject, fun to read. It sheds new light on the birth and evolution of the mafia. Furthermore, the twofold parallel between the mafia, an economic industry, and the state, the political community par excellence , can bring us to a more accurate understanding of the nature of the markets for unusual commodities like protection, and it contributes, indirectly, to the political theory of the emergence of protection agencies.
European Sociological Review - Alberto Vannucci
[Gambetta] has done an outstanding job of gathering and analyzing the data that were available...A tremendous achievement.
Peter Kollockn Journal of Sociology
Gambetta's study is, quite simply, brilliant. At once thoughtful and provocative, he argues that the mafioso deals not in violence, but in protection...Witty and well-argued, compelling but not didactic, this is precisely what a scholarly work should be.
[Gambetta] has done an outstanding job of gathering and analyzing the data that were available...A tremendous achievement.
American Journal of Sociology - Peter Kollock
[Gambetta] has done an outstanding job of gathering and analyzing the data that were available...A tremendous achievement.
American Journal of Sociology
A carefully argued and well written interpretation of the Sicilian Mafia which should be required reading for every student of criminology.
British Journal of Criminology
This is a fascinating book. It provides a wealth of information about an organization which, despite its repellent nature, understandably continues to intrigue many people. And the narrative, based, as much of it is, on the testimony of various ex mafiosi who have turned state's evidence, possesses a compelling immediacy. As a work of history, it is first-rate.
A remarkable theoretical achievement. Starting from what is apparently a most unpromising premise, that the workings of the Mafia can be understood within a rational choice framework, Gambetta repeatedly surprises us with his theoretical ingenuity...In a brief review, one cannot do justice to the complexity of the arguments in a book likeGambetta's. Let it suffice to say I could not put it down and I estimate it will become a classic in the burgeoning literature upon the rational choice approach to sociological analysis.
British Journal of Sociology
The Sicialian Mafia goes far beyond the promise of the title. It represents an important and arguably enduring contribution to both sociological and economic theory. Gambetta 's book shows the fruitfulness of a rigorous economic analysis applied with consistency and it is, in spite of the ominous subject, fun to read. It sheds new light on the birth and evolution of the mafia. Furthermore, the twofold parallel between the mafia, an economic industry, and the state, the political community par excellence , can bring us to a more accurate understanding of the nature of the markets for unusual commodities like protection, and it contributes, indirectly, to the political theory of the emergence of protection agencies.
European Sociological Review
Diego Gambetta's analysis of the Sicilian Mafia is likely to become a classic. It uses a dazzling combination of economic theory and sociological insight to make sense of a significant but mysterious social institution.
Journal of Economic Literature
