How different is the Italian mafia from the Italian-American mafia?

How different is the Italian mafia from the Italian-American mafia?

The Italian Mafia and the Italian-American Mafia share historical roots but have evolved into distinct entities with differences in structure, culture, and influence. The Italian Mafia, also known as the Sicilian Mafia or Cosa Nostra, originated in Sicily and gradually expanded its reach to the Italian mainland. 

It has a long history dating back to the 19th century and is deeply embedded in Italian culture. The Italian-American Mafia, on the other hand, emerged as a result of Italian immigration to the United States in the late 19th and early 20th centuries. It represents a transplanted version of the original Mafia, adapting to the American context.

One significant difference lies in the geographical scope of their operations. The Italian Mafia primarily operates in Italy, with a stronghold in Sicily, while the Italian-American Mafia established its power base in major American cities such as New York, Chicago, and Philadelphia. 

The Italian-American Mafia, often referred to as La Cosa Nostra in the U.S., developed its own distinct structure and hierarchy, separate from its Italian counterpart.

Cultural nuances also play a role in differentiating the two. The Italian Mafia is deeply rooted in Sicilian traditions and has historically been associated with a code of silence known as omertà. This code emphasizes loyalty, silence, and the refusal to cooperate with authorities. The Italian-American Mafia, while influenced by these principles, has adapted to American culture, incorporating elements of the immigrant experience and organized crime dynamics in the United States.

Structurally, the Italian Mafia is characterized by a strict hierarchical organization with families, bosses, and capos, whereas the Italian-American Mafia adapted its structure to the American context. The American version is often characterized by five major families in New York, each with its own hierarchy. The structure of the Italian-American Mafia is more fluid, with a greater degree of independence among the families compared to the centralized control seen in the Italian Mafia.

Despite these differences, both entities share commonalities, including involvement in organized crime, racketeering, and a code of conduct that emphasizes loyalty and secrecy. 

However, the evolution of the Italian-American Mafia in the United States has led to distinct differences in its organizational structure, cultural adaptations, and geographical focus compared to its Italian counterpart.