The sacred oath of a secret ritual: Performing authority and submission in the Mafia initiation ceremony

R Merlino

Research output: Contribution to journalArticlepeer-review

Abstract

This article draws on socio-anthropological theories of ritual and performance to analyse the initiation ceremony of the Sicilian mafia in relation to questions of power, authority and submission. In particular, it looks at the oath of loyalty sworn during the ceremony as a highly symbolic ritual practice which contributes to maintaining and strengthening the social structure of the group and its collective identity.
Original languageEnglish
JournalForum - University of Edinburgh Postgraduate Journal of Culture & the Arts
Volume17
Publication statusPublished - 6 Dec 2013

ASJC Scopus subject areas

  • General Social Sciences

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