Strategic positioning in mafia networks

This chapter analyzes network positioning in two mafia-type organizations belonging to the ‘Ndrangheta, a mafia-type criminal organization originating from Calabria. The focus is on strategic and vulnerable positioning within the networks. Results show that task and hierarchy are associated with network centrality, but also with accusation, arrest, and conviction. By contrast, high social status within the networks exhibits limited association with network centrality and the outcomes of criminal proceedings.