Structure of the Mafia

The Mafia has a very well distinct structure. The Mafia’s structure is a time-honored tradition that is respected and highly thought of by its members, just like its code of ethics and honor. Any disgracing of the structure or of a gangster’s place within it is punishable by death. Here is a brief summary of the Mafia structure:

The Commission: The Commission is a group of family bosses who set the general policy for the Cosa Nostra. Their role at the top of the Mob ladder awards them the utmost respect and for that reason they have the last say in arguments and disagreements within families.

The Family: Various levels of mobsters are grouped together to make up a family with each family swearing allegiance to a different boss.

The Boss (a.k.a. Don): Acts as the head man of the family. He is usually a senior member who has paid his dues over the years and is now able to enjoy the benefits of power. He makes all of the decisions and gives out orders to his underlings. He must be respected and obeyed without question.

Consigliere: Italian for advisor/counselor, the consigliere counsels and gives advice to the boss. In technical terms, he is directly below the boss but does not give out orders.

Underboss: The underboss is the number-two man in the family who controls the day-to-day operations.

Capo: Short for Capodecina or Caporegime, he is the leader of a crew of 10 to 15 soldiers and oversees their work.

Soldier: The on-the-street guy. He does the “dirty” work. As a made man, he may also have a few associates who hang around him.

Associate: Since an associate is not yet a “made” man, he does the real down and dirty work, usually involving lots of hits. He hangs around the crew in the hopes of becoming a “made” man.


Information from La Cosa Nostra the Mafia an Expose.