Donne di mafia e carcere. Cultura, esperienze e pratiche in una sezione di alta sicurezza

This dissertation analyses the mafia culture’s mechanism of adaptation and reproduction in a female high security section. It is an attempt to approach mafia phenomenon by considering its members’ perspective. Using qualitative research methods, it focuses on the representations, the narrative strategies and the practices of interaction of detained mafia women. More specifically, it explores: i) the family life representations with regard to the female role and the family practices which are for the benefit of the criminal organization; ii) the main discourse mechanisms employed in defining the self; iii) the aspects of mafia cultural repertory reproduced and elaborated to interact in prison. The study enlightens the crucial role of mafia cultural repertory in shaping the cooperative relationship, which is built up in the high security session together with the staff.