What's the Difference between Cosa Nostra and the Mafia?

When discussing the topics of Mafia and Cosa Nostra, the terms are often used interchangeably, but they have distinct historical, cultural, and structural differences. In this article, we will explore the origins, definitions, and distinctions between these two significant organized crime organizations.

Origins and Definitions

The term “Mafia” was first coined by Italian journalist Antonio Gualterio in 1865. It is not a self-assigned label by the organizations it is applied to, but rather a journalistic term used to describe various criminal syndicates. Historically, it was used to describe criminal organizations in Italy, Sicily, Campania, Calabria, and Apulia. These groups, such as the Sicilian Mafia, Camorra, the ‘Ndrangheta, and Sacra Corona Unita, were established long before the term gained widespread use.

Cosa Nostra means 'this thing of ours' or 'our thing' in Sicilian. It is an Italian-American organized criminal organization that originated as a merging of different criminal groups in the early 20th century. The term 'Cosa Nostra' specifically refers to the Five New York Families, their affiliates in New Jersey, Philadelphia, Rhode Island, and the Rizzuto Family of Montreal, Canada. However, the term 'Mafia' is broader and encompasses a wide range of organized criminal groups from various nations.

The Rise of Cosa Nostra

The Five New York Families, which make up Cosa Nostra, are specifically the: Genovese Family (Vito Genovese) Lumanosa Family (Gennaro Lombardo) Castellano Family (Francis Castellano) Rufo Family (Salvatore D. Rufo) Kennedy Family (Giovanni Giuseppi Giordano) Rizzuto Family (Samuel Raphael Rizzuto)

Salvatore Maranzano, a key figure in the early 20th century, played a crucial role in the development of Cosa Nostra. After winning the Castellammarese War in 1931, Maranzano ordered Lucky Luciano to kill "Joe the Boss" Masseria, which ended the conflict on April 15. In September, Luciano himself ordered the assassination of Maranzano and became the head of the Genovese Family. From there, Luciano organized "The Commission," a ruling body that helped manage the Five Families.

Differences in Structure and Rules

While both Cosa Nostra and the Mafia share similar methods and operational styles, they differ significantly in their structure and rules. The Mafia, as a broader term, includes various Italian criminal organizations. Most notably, the Sicilian Mafia, also called Cosa Nostra, has specific rules and protocols, including the 'Hands off cops, kids, and judges' rule. This rule emphasizes that Cosa Nostra avoids confronting law enforcement and chooses not to target young people, teachers, and judges.

However, the Mafia term is not limited to just these groups. Organized criminals from various nations such as the Russian Mafia, Armenian Mafia, Corsican Mafia, and Dixie Mafia are also included under the broader term 'Mafia.' The term 'Cosa Nostra' is distinctly used for the Italian-American organized crime organization that includes the Five Families and their affiliates in different regions.

The Chicago Outfit: A Separate Entity

It is also important to note that the Chicago Outfit, led by Al Capone, while cooperative with Cosa Nostra, is technically an independent criminal organization. Although they work with Cosa Nostra, the Chicago Outfit operates under its own rules and does not fall under the Cosa Nostra umbrella.

Conclusion

While the terms 'Mafia' and 'Cosa Nostra' are often used interchangeably, there are important distinctions to be made. Cosa Nostra is specifically the Italian-American organized crime organization that includes the Five New York Families and their affiliates. The Mafia, on the other hand, is a broader term encompassing various criminal organizations from Italy and other nations. Both share similarities in their methods, but Cosa Nostra has its unique structure and rules, most notably the 'Hands off cops, kids, and judges' rule.

Key Takeaways

Cosa Nostra: An Italian-American organized crime organization with a specific structure and rules. Mafia: A broader term encompassing various criminal organizations from Italy and other nations. ‘Hands off cops, kids, and judges’ rule is unique to Cosa Nostra.

Understanding these differences can help in accurately characterizing and distinguishing between these significant organized crime organizations.