Mafia- La Cosa Nostra, the Mafia Hierarchy
Boss
The head of the family is known as the boss or also popularly called, the don. He makes all the decisions and all the money in the ventures that the family is engaged in, eventually flows to him. The boss should be powerful enough so that the associates and those who under him pay him severe respect. Without respect the boss has hardly any influence. He should also be able to resolve problems or disputes such that the family realizes that he is an effective boss.
Underboss
He is the person who is just under the boss, as the name suggests. He may be the one to replace him if the boss is old and dies or facing an imprisonment. But it is not necessarily the case that always the underboss succeeds the boss. Being so close to the boss, the underboss learns various things from him. He also should have qualities to resolve disputes without requiring the boss’ intervention.
Consigliere
This position is not a part of the family hierarchy and those who succeed to such position are expected to be impartial and offer suggestion to the boss without having an edge of personal vendetta. The Consigliere is appointed by the members of the family, although it is always not true. The position is of much importance and only the most trusted ones of the boss, who have seen and known the family’s undertaking for long, are chosen for this position.
Capo
The capo is the lieutenant of the family. A family may have number of capos. They head their own family which is generally comprised of soldiers and they take orders from the boss and the underboss and divide the work among the soldiers. They may also take part in the work, if their expertise is required. The number of capo depends on the size of the family. They are usually the ones who watch over certain territory that has been entrusted by the boss or the underboss.
Soldiers and Associates
Soldiers are the dirty workers; they are the ones who fight the battles when gang wars break out. They make very little money and hence they hold very little power. Mostly they are dependent on the family’s generosity which the family provides, in return for their service and loyalty. The soldiers are in the lower most rung of the “made men”. The associates have no place in the Mafia family but these are the people who help the mafia out. These men can be corrupt and bought out police officers, lawyers, politicians etc.
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