Mafiacraft - An Ethnography of Deadly Silence

Deborah Puccio-Den's Mafiacraft is a new form of ethnographic inquiry that focuses on the ontological, moral, and political effects of posing the question, "What is the Mafia?" She approaches covert activities using a model of Mafiacraft, which inverts the logic of witchcraft and depends on the deadly strength of silence.

Format: Paperback / softback
Length: 294 pages
Publication date: 14 January 2022
Publisher: HAU Society Of Ethnographic Theory

The Mafia, a mysterious and enigmatic entity, has perplexed individuals for generations. Its origins, nature, and impact on society remain shrouded in secrecy, leaving many wondering what it truly is. Social scientists who study the Mafia embark on a quest to unravel its essence, often blending their research with their object of study. In her book "Mafiacraft," Deborah Puccio-Den takes a novel approach to ethnographic inquiry, shifting the focus from answering the question "What is the Mafia?" to exploring the ontological, moral, and political consequences of posing such a query.

Puccio-Den begins by acknowledging that Mafia is not a readily identifiable social fact but rather a problem of thought born out of the absence of words. She approaches covert activities using a model of Mafiacraft, which inverts the logic of witchcraft. Witchcraft, she argues, revolves around the lethal power of speech, whereas Mafiacraft relies on the deadly strength of silence. How, then, can one write an ethnography of phenomena that cannot be named? Puccio-Den answers this question with a captivating anthropology of silence, breaking new ground in the study of the world's most famous criminal organization.

Through her meticulous research and analysis, Puccio-Den delves into the complexities of Mafia culture, exploring its rituals, codes, and hierarchies. She sheds light on the silence that permeates Mafia interactions, both within the organization and in the broader society. The Mafia, she argues, operates through a sophisticated system of signals, gestures, and nonverbal communication, which often defy conventional understanding. Puccio-Den's study highlights the power of silence as a tool of control and manipulation, showing how it can be used to maintain secrecy, enforce loyalty, and maintain power.

Furthermore, Puccio-Den examines the moral and ethical implications of studying the Mafia. She questions the ethical boundaries of researchers who engage with such a controversial and sensitive subject. She explores the potential harm that can be caused to individuals and communities who are associated with the Mafia, as well as the ethical dilemmas faced by law enforcement and journalists who seek to expose its activities. Puccio-Den advocates for a more nuanced and empathetic approach to studying the Mafia, one that recognizes the complexity of its culture and the human experiences that are intertwined with it.

In conclusion, "Mafiacraft" is a groundbreaking work that offers a fresh perspective on the Mafia. Through her anthropology of silence, Puccio-Den challenges our understanding of the Mafia and sheds light on its ontological, moral, and political effects. Her study provides valuable insights into the complexities of Mafia culture and the power of silence as a tool of control and manipulation. It is a must-read for anyone interested in understanding the world of organized crime and the human experiences that are shaped by it.

Weight: 526g
Dimension: 151 x 229 x 23 (mm)
ISBN-13: 9781912808250