Masculine Honor, Social Identity, and the Shadow of the Sicilian Mafia: Lessons for American Culture

Sunday, December 1, 2024.

Cultural values shape our relationships, communities, and the systems we trust—or distrust.

A recent study published in Political Psychology delves into the interplay of masculine honor, social identity, and public attitudes toward organized crime, with a specific focus on the Sicilian Mafia.

While rooted in Sicily, the findings resonate far beyond, shedding light on the cultural and psychological forces that sustain power structures—even in American communities.

As a couples therapist, I often see how cultural values influence relationships and family dynamics.

This study reveals similar patterns on a broader societal scale, where values like honor and loyalty can either strengthen communities or create openings for destructive forces.

What Is Masculine Honor, and Why Does It Matter?

Masculine honor reflects cultural beliefs about male strength, dominance, and the defense of personal or familial reputation—even through violence if necessary.

While these values may seem outdated, they persist in many cultures, including parts of the United States, where they are often tied to ideas of individualism and self-reliance.

The study highlights how masculine honor can foster distrust of state institutions, positioning local power structures—like the Mafia in Sicily—as alternative authorities. This cultural narrative has parallels in America, where distrust of government often leads to reliance on community-based systems, both lawful and unlawful.

The Sicilian Mafia: A Cultural Force

The Mafia, or Cosa Nostra, operates as more than a criminal organization; it functions as an alternative power structure, filling gaps left by weakened state institutions. The study reveals how values of masculine honor intersect with social identity to reinforce the Mafia’s authority in local communities.

In Sicily, practices like omertà (a code of silence) and connivance (turning a blind eye to unethical behavior) allow the Mafia to maintain its grip.

These dynamics are not limited to Sicily; similar patterns of informal governance can be found in marginalized American neighborhoods where trust in law enforcement is low.

The Research: Honor, Identity, and Justifying Mafia Influence

The researchers, led by Alberto Mirisola and Giovanni Travaglino, conducted surveys in two Sicilian cities, Palermo and Catania, to examine how masculine honor and social identity influence attitudes toward Mafia-related behaviors.

Key Findings:

• Masculine Honor and Connivance:
  Men who strongly endorsed masculine honor values were more likely to justify behaviors supporting Mafia influence, such as refusing to report crimes or seeking help from Mafia members rather than state authorities.

• The Role of Social Identity:

  • Territorial Identity: Strong attachment to local or regional identity (e.g., neighborhoods or being Sicilian) intensified the link between masculine honor and connivance.

  • National Identity: Stronger identification with the nation as a whole weakened this link, aligning individuals more with state institutions and national norms.

Implications for American Culture

While the study focuses on Sicily, its findings raise important questions for American society, particularly in communities where distrust of government and law enforcement runs deep.

Cultural Parallels:

• In parts of the U.S., particularly in rural areas or marginalized urban neighborhoods, cultural values tied to masculine honor and self-reliance can lead to reliance on informal or extralegal systems of authority.

• These dynamics echo the role of the Mafia in Sicily, with local power brokers (e.g., gangs or vigilante groups) stepping in where formal institutions fail.

The Erosion of Trust in Institutions:

The study underscores the importance of trust in state institutions. In America, declining trust in government might also create fertile ground for alternative power structures to emerge, from militia groups to organized crime.

The Family Connection:

As a couples therapist, I see how family systems mirror larger societal dynamics.

When trust breaks down—whether in a marriage or a community—alternative, often unhealthy coping mechanisms take hold. Addressing these patterns requires rebuilding trust and fostering open communication, whether between partners or between citizens and their institutions.

Building a Path Forward

The study offers valuable lessons for combating the influence of organized crime and fostering healthier cultural dynamics.

Strengthen National Identity:

The researchers found that fostering a sense of national identity can weaken the influence of local power structures like the Mafia. In America, this might mean promoting shared values and rebuilding trust in government through transparency and accountability. It might also mean, for some, accepting the will of the people.

Challenge Harmful Cultural Narratives:

Values tied to masculine honor—such as the glorification of violence or the rejection of vulnerability—can perpetuate harmful behaviors in both personal and societal contexts. Encouraging alternative narratives of strength, such as emotional resilience and collaboration, might shift these dynamics. But I’m not holding my American breath.

Invest in Community Resources:

Just as the Mafia fills gaps left by state institutions, local power structures in America often arise in response to systemic neglect. Reducing our investments in education, healthcare, and law enforcement reforms will further erode trust in formal systems and increase reliance on informal authorities. Do we really want to fool around and find out?

Final Thoughts

Understanding the cultural and psychological roots of power structures is critical to creating healthier communities.

Whether addressing the influence of the Mafia in Sicily or tackling systemic challenges in America, the key lies in fostering trust, challenging harmful narratives, and investing in systems that serve everyone.

Be Well, Stay Kind, and Godspeed.

REFERENCES:

Mirisola, A., Travaglino, G. A., & Giammusso, I. (2024). National identification weakens, and territorial identification strengthens, the relationship between masculine honor values and the justification of practices of connivance with the mafia. Political Psychology.

Travaglino, G. A., Abrams, D., & Randsley de Moura, G. (2020). The role of social identity in moderating the influence of masculine honor on connivance. Journal of Social Issues, 76(3), 531–549.

Cohen, D., & Nisbett, R. E. (1994). Self-protection and the culture of honor: Explaining Southern violence. Personality and Social Psychology Bulletin, 20(5), 551–567.