A qualitative reading of the ecological (dis)organisation of criminal associations. The case of the ?Famiglia Basilischi? in Italy

This paper combines the theoretical foundations of organisational ecology - one of the most important approaches in economic sociology - with classic criminological theories to interpret the birth, evolution and death of criminal associations. This mixed approach will support the interpretation of organised crime groups as phenomena strictly linked to the environment as well as to other competitors in criminal markets. This paper analyses the birth, evolution and death of a criminal association in Basilicata, Southern Italy, known as the ?Famiglia Basilischi?. The case is exemplary of how ecological conditions affect the success or failure of a newly formed criminal association. These conditions can therefore be indicators to interpret organised criminal activities in similar environments

Mafia Methods, Extortion Dynamics and Social Responses

Drawing on the current literature, the chapter defines and discusses social and legal norms, and explores some of their differences and similarities. The authors then turn to an exploration of some of the legal and social norms arguably relevant when protection rackets are concerned. They also discuss some of the ways in which norms, relevant to protection rackets, interact, and draw on the Sicilian mafia and the Georgian mafia as two reevant cases